mill hill neighborhood revitalization zone strategic plan ... · mill hill neighborhood...

Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Strategic Plan Page i

MILL HILL NRZ PLAN

The Honorable Bill Finch, Mayor, City of Bridgeport

CITY COUNCIL 2013

Thomas C. McCarthy, 133rd, Chair

Susan T. Brannelly, 130th

Steven J. Strafstrom, Jr. 130th Denese Taylor-Moye, 131st Jack O. Banton, 131st

M. Evette Brantley, 132nd John W. Olson, 132nd Howard Austin, Sr., 133rd

Michelle A. Lyons, 134th AmyMarie Vizzo-Paniccia, 134th Warren Blunt, 135th

Richard Bonney, 135th Angel M. dePara, Jr., 136th Carlos Silva, 136th Manuel Ayala, 137th Lydia N. Martinez, 137th Michael J. Marella, Jr. 138th Richard M. Paoletto, Jr., 138th Andre F. Baker, Jr., 139th James Holloway, 139th

Mill Hill NRZ PLANNING COMMITTEE

Cisco, Borres, Chairman (Resident) Eneida Walker-Martinez, Vice-Chairman (Youth/Resident)

Trude Goss, Secretary (Resident) Melissa Borres (Resident)

Lea Brown (Resident) Alan Cherry (Resident, State of CT)

Rudy Feudo (GBAPP, Inc. Non-profit) Lynda Frank (Trash Busters)

Martha Judd (Business, Bridgeport Hospital) Kimberlee Kinsella (Resident) Gloria Lawrence (Resident)

Maureen Linderfelt (U.C. P.A. of Southern CT, Inc.,Non-profit) Melinda V. Noonan (Resident)

Rev. Marjorie Nunes (Church, Resident) Natasha Rivers (St. Ambrose)

Dorna Stover (Recovery Network of Programs, Non-profit) Frederick (Rick) Walters (Business, Bridgeport Hospital)

Flor Soto (Resident) Maryam Thomas-Muhammad (Resident)

Betty Wadjeko (Resident) Gloria Wagnablas (Resident) Willie Wilson (Trash Busters)

Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Strategic Plan Page ii

Killeen Partners, LLC · PRE/view Landscape Architects · David Barbour Architects · Beverly Hoppie, Outreach Coordinator

STAFF

Dave Killeen, Killeen Partners, LLC Stuart Sachs, PRE/view Landscape Architects David Barbour, David Barbour Architects Beverly Hoppie, Outreach Coordinator Samuel Shaw, Office of Planning Deborah Thomas-Sims, Director, Office of Neighborhood Revitalization Angie Staltaro, Office of Neighborhood Revitalization Workshop Facilitators – Courtney George, Susan Ball, Patrick Schmincke Charrette Facilitators – Frank Rawlinson, Architect; Beth Weiber, Architect and Aris Stalis, Landscape Architect; University of Hartford School of Architecture Students: Brianna Anderson, Akilah Bannister, William A. Fuller, Jr., and Shelley Livingston. ACKNOWLDGMENTS Special Thanks to:

Bridgeport Hospital for their generosity and support in sponsoring refreshments for the Neighborhood Workshop and the Design Charrette and an initial mailing to all residents of the Mill Hill neighborhood

Reverend Marjorie Nunes and the Summerfield United Methodist Church for their willingness to host the great majority of NRZ Planning Committee and General Membership meetings throughout the process

Hartford University for encouraging their Architecture students to assist with the Design Charrette

The City of Bridgeport CDBG Program for helping to fund this effort

The Bridgeport Office of Planning for assistance with data collection, graphics

The City of Bridgeport Police Department

Direct technical assistance was provided throughout this planning process by Samuel Shaw, Project Planner with the Bridgeport City Planning Department. This Plan would not have been possible without his data collection support, mapping assistance, and guidance along the way. Angie Staltaro, of the City’s Office of Neighborhood Revitalization (ONR), provided ongoing support of the NRZ Planning Committee and the East Side Neighborhood through her tireless community organizing efforts. We are also grateful to other City staff who helped shape and guide this Plan including David Kooris, Director of Economic and Community Development; Deborah Thomas-Sims, Director of the Office of Neighborhood Revitalization; Bill Coleman, Office of Economic Development; Michael Nidoh, Director of Planning , and Lynn Haig, Senior Planner, City Planning Department.

Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Strategic Plan Page iii


MILL HILL NRZ STRATEGIC PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

City leadership: Mayor, Council NRZ Planning Committee………………………………………………………………….…………… i Staff, Acknowledgment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ii

Contents 1. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND OF THE MILL HILL NRZ STRATEGIC PLAN ......................................................... 1

a) Neighborhood Boundaries ........................................................................................................................... 2

b) Mill Hill NRZ Strategic Planning Process ....................................................................................................... 3

2. COMMUNITY PROFILE ...................................................................................................................................... 5

a) Demographic and Economic Trends ............................................................................................................ 5

b) Physical Development and Existing Conditions ........................................................................................... 8

c) Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................... 9

d) Architecture.................................................................................................................................................. 9

e) Neighborhood Resources/Assets ............................................................................................................... 11

f) Neighborhood Organizations and Activities .............................................................................................. 12

g) Existing Land Uses and Patterns ................................................................................................................. 14

h) Development Regulations .......................................................................................................................... 14

3. REINVESTMENT/DEVELOPMENT CLIMATE IN THE MILL HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ............................................ 16

4. SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES ........................................................................ 20

5. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................................ 22

a) Housing Committee .................................................................................................................................... 22

b) Open Space Committee ............................................................................................................................. 24

c) Safety and Security Committee .................................................................................................................. 25

d) Transportation and Traffic Committee ...................................................................................................... 27

6. MILL HILL NRZ PLAN ....................................................................................................................................... 30

a) Action Plan: Strategic Plan ......................................................................................................................... 33

b) Vision Statement ........................................................................................................................................ 33

c) Plan Overview............................................................................................................................................. 33

d) Neighborhood Projects: Phase 1 - High Priority Projects ........................................................................... 38

e) Neighborhood Projects: Phase 2 – Medium-High Priority Projects ........................................................... 55

f) Neighborhood Projects: Phase 3 – Longer term Medium Priority Projects ............................................... 63

Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Strategic Plan Page iv


7. Phasing Plan: Short-Term and Long term objectives and strategies ............................................................. 66

a) Short Term Objectives 2013 – 2018 (1-5 years) ......................................................................................... 66

b) Mid-Term Objectives 2019-2024 (6-10 years) ........................................................................................... 67

c) Long-Term Objectives 2025 to 2035 (11-20 years) .................................................................................... 68

8. Performance and Review standards .............................................................................................................. 68

9. Regulatory Issues............................................................................................................................................ 69

Reference Documents ............................................................................................................................................ 69

APPENDICES A. ByLaws B. Outreach, workshop Materials, June 2012 Neighborhood Workshop C. Summary, Neighborhood Workshop D. Outreach, handout for October 2012 Design Charrette E. Cost estimates

Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Strategic Plan Page 1

1. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND OF THE MILL HILL NRZ STRATEGIC

PLAN

Under the leadership of the Honorable Mayor Bill Finch, officials and leaders of the City of Bridgeport and Mill Hill neighborhood began developing a NRZ Strategic Plan for the Mill Hill neighborhood in 2011 and embarked on an accelerated planning process beginning in late spring of 2012. The Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Process, established by the CT General Assembly in 1995, offered an appropriate vehicle to craft a plan to stabilize and improve the neighborhood. Through this process, various stakeholders (residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, community groups and City officials) were brought together in a partnership to develop a voice in determining priorities and developing a plan of action for revitalizing the neighborhood. The NRZ planning process officially begins with the adoption of a municipal resolution establishing the NRZ and creating the boundaries for that NRZ. The City of Bridgeport adopted a resolution endorsing the concept of Neighborhood Revitalization Zones on May 06, 1996. The City Council then adopted a resolution establishing the Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone and its boundaries on March 04, 2013 (Resolution # 166-11. See appendix). While the State legislation created a mechanism for City and neighborhood leaders to work together creatively, there was no specific provision for state funding of projects or programs identified within the NRZ Strategic Plan. The Mill Hill neighborhood has received a variety of federal, state and local funds for revitalization projects in the past and is expected to continue receiving such funding in the future, as they become available. This NRZ Strategic Plan should help the City and the neighborhood to guide the use of limited resources towards the successful revitalization of the Mill Hill neighborhood. In addition to creating a strategic approach to revitalizing the neighborhood, there are specific tools the legislation established to assist the revitalization process. Upon adoption of the NRZ strategic plan:

the NRZ may request a waiver of state and local environmental, health and safety codes and other regulations that have been identified in the strategic plan as barriers to neighborhood development;

the NRZ may recommend that the Mayor enter into tax agreements and allocate municipal funds to achieve the purposes of the plan;

the NRZ may petition the judicial branch (local superior court) for appointment of a receiver of the rents for any deteriorated property;


municipal corporations may be authorized, in accordance with established procedures, to take abandoned or blighted property in an NRZ, through eminent domain.

a) Neighborhood Boundaries

The boundaries for the Mill Hill Neighbrohood Revitalization Zone were established by ordinance adopted by the Bridgeport Common Council on March 04, 2013. The established boundaries are shown on the map below. The neighborhood is located in the eastern section of the City, adjacent to the Town of Stratford.

While most NRZ boundaries follow Census Tract boundaries, the City chose to establish the Mill Hill NRZ Boundaries so that they would follow an existing Council District boundary – in this case, Council District 139, which is shown below, with the Mill Hill NRZ Boundary. District 139 extends south of the NRZ boundaries and encompasses the East End neighborhood. As noted in this Plan, there was great interest in seeing the Mill Hill NRZ work with the existing East End NRZ, which was created on May 06, 1996. It was felt that this boundary would make it easier for the NRZ neighborhood to be represented by specific Councilmen, thereby ensuring greater ease in seeking political support for projects contained within the NRZ boundaries. The Councilmen for the East End (The Honorable Andre Baker and the Honorable James Holloway) were actively involved throughout the NRZ planning process, and numerous political

MILL HILL NRZ BORDERLINE


leaders participated in the major Neighborhood workshop in June and the design charrette in October 2012.

Formal Boundary Description Beginning at the corner and centerline of Barnum Avenue and the Junction of Yellow Mill Pond travel east along the centerline of Barnum Avenue to the centerline of Sage Avenue then: follow the Bridgeport/Stratford Town Line to the Center line of Boston Avenue then: travel west to the centerline of Success Avenue then: travel two blocks north to the centerline of Gary Street then: travel west to the centerline of Carnegie Avenue then: travel north to the centerline of Granfield Avenue then: travel west to the centerline of Summerfield Avenue then: travel south to the centerline of Birdseye Street then: travel west to the centerline of Palisade Avenue then: travel southwest to the centerline of Tudor Street then: west to the centerline of Bond Street then: north to the centerline of Stewart Street then: travel west to the Yellow River Brook then: south along the Yellow River Brook back to the beginning at the Junction of Yellow Mill Pond and the centerline of Barnum Avenue.

b) Mill Hill NRZ Strategic Planning Process

Since the key to the success of an NRZ Strategic Plan is the degree to which projects reflect the goals of local community stakeholders, the Mill Hill NRZ Process was structured around several components designed to solicit input and guidance from the community on the selected plan and its related projects. Those components included:

(1) A Neighborhood Planning Workshop was held in the neighborhood (at Harding High School) on June 30, 2012 to initiate the planning project and to obtain direction on


the elements neighborhood stakeholders wanted to see in their plan. The Workshop was widely advertised in the newspaper, by email, with flyers, and also through a direct mailer to all Mill Hill households from Bridgeport Hospital at their own expense. Outreach efforts paid off. Over 65 people were in attendance with a balanced representation of neighborhood residents, business people, non-profit organizations, and the City of Bridgeport. The Workshop included a presentation about the purposes and elements of the NRZ Strategic Planning process and a series of small group discussions in which participants identified neighborhood strengths and weaknesses as well as current opportunities for neighborhood revitalization and issues that need to be addressed in the process. The results of that workshop provided the framework that guided this planning process. A more detailed summary of the Workshop Summary is contained in the Appendix. Also during the Workshop, copies of draft By-Laws for the Mill Hill NRZ workshop were circulated and discussed, and nomination forms were distributed to seek candidates for the NRZ Planning Committee

(2) NRZ Planning Committee – Following the initial workshop, the NRZ Planning Committee was elected by the broader NRZ Membership at a regular meeting held on August 22, 2012. The Planning Committee became the group of partnership leaders that set policy for the Plan and guided the planning process to completion. That Committee was made up of 21 members and included a balance of the key NRZ partners (residents, non-profit organizations, businesses, and City representatives). The Planning Committee made all decisions regarding agendas, committee structure, selection of preferred strategies and ultimately, ranked the importance of all projects included in the NRZ Strategic Plan, based on input from the broader neighborhood.

(3) The Mill Hill NRZ By-Laws were adopted by the City of Bridgeport on March 04, 2013 to assure compliance of the NRZ effort with local ordinances and codes.

(4) A Committee Structure was established to enable smaller groups to look at

neighborhood challenges in a detailed fashion. Among the committees were: (a) Open Space and Recreation Committee (b) Housing Committee (c) Transportation/Traffic Committee (d) Safety and Security Committee The Planning Committee also considered forming a Redevelopment Committee to examine the best approach to guiding major redevelopment projects within the neighborhood. It was ultimately decided that those larger redevelopment issues should be addressed through the Planning Committee as a whole. The assigned Committees met, most of them on at least two occasions, from September to October 2012.


(5) Design Charrette – To enable the neighborhood the opportunity to “visualize” some of the revitalization strategies and projects under consideration a Design “Charrette” was held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 in the Mill Hill neighborhood. As with the Neighborhood Workshop, the broader community was invited to participate through a series of emails, flyers, press releases, and direct mailers to individuals who had provided mailing addresses but no email addresses. The charrette was attended by over 50 individuals, again with good cross-representation of the major NRZ partners. During the charrette, participants were assisted by seven design professionals (architects, landscape architects, and architectural students from University of Hartford) who helped illustrate some of the ideas the neighborhood was considering. In small groups, the NRZ participants focused on topics such as open space and community gardens, design elements for a Mill Hill community center, and general streetscape improvements.

(6) Upon successful completion of each of these steps, a draft set of projects was developed and circulated for consideration by the NRZ Planning Committee, which ranked the elements of the revitalization strategy as to their timing and their perceived importance to an overall revitalization strategy.

(7) The attached Plan was prepared by the Planning Committee as a culmination of these efforts and, when presented as a formally adopted Plan by the City, will also have received input and modification as necessary by the NRZ membership, the neighborhood, and the City of Bridgeport Common Council. It will also have been presented to the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management for review and compliance with the statutory requirements for a Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Strategic Plan.

2. COMMUNITY PROFILE

a) Demographic and Economic Trends

The NRZ boundaries align with the 139th Council District - not the local Census Tracts.

The 2010 U.S. Census Data for Tracts 737 and 733 were used to develop population

and housing estimates for the NRZ. Whereas all of Census Tract 737 is located within

the Mill Hill NRZ area, an estimate of 50% of Census Tract 733 was considered the

remaining portion of the Mill Hill NRZ neighborhood.

Population

There are currently an estimated 6,154 people living in the Mill Hill Neighborhood as of the most recent U.S. Census American Community Survey (2012) according to research conducted by the City’s Office of Planning (nearly 4,600 of them living within Census Tract 737, south of Boston Avenue, and approximately 1,570 living in Census Tract 733 in the area of the neighborhood located north of Boston Avenue).


Age Distribution: 5 years & under 9.9% 19 years & under 30.6% 65 years & over 11.8% Race/Ethnicity: Non-Hispanic 66.3% White 13.5% Black 42.0% Asian/Other 4.9% Hispanic 41.0%

Household Characteristics Household size in the Mill Hill neighborhood is an average of 2.59 persons per household. Housing

There are an estimated 2,374 housing units in the Mill Hill Neighborhood (American Community Survey, City of Bridgeport Office of Planning) with over 1,760 located south of Boston Avenue and approximately 611 being located north of Boston Avenue. As of 2010, there was a vacancy rate of approximately 11-12% for the Mill Hill neighborhood (14% for housing units south of Boston Avenue and 9% for housing units north of Boston Avenue), a relatively high vacancy rate overall, which could be the result of deteriorated housing conditions. Vacancy rates have increased since 2000 when they were about 8.8%. Home Ownership rates are low for the neighborhood (approximately 34% of occupied units). Renter-occupied units are estimated at 66%, a condition which was discussed by the neighborhood leaders as a concern to be addressed. Renters were seen as having less stability overall and were less likely to become involved in neighborhood and church activities. Educational Attainment The level of educational attainment for residents of the Mill Hill Neighborhood is generally lower than for the City, region or State. Over 28% have not completed high school, and 42.5% of the population possesses a high school degree or equivalent. Lless than 7% possess a Bachelor’s Degree. Only 1.2% of the population has attained a Master’s or Doctorate Degree. Meanwhile 16% have had some college education, and 5% posses an Associates Degree.


Pie Chart, above, illustrates the level of educational attainment within the Mill Hill neighborhood.

15.90%

12.60%

42.50%

16.10%

5.00% 6.70%

1.20%

Less than 9th grade

9th to 12th grade, no diploma

High school graduate (includes equivalency)

Some college, no degree

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Graduate or professional degree


Bar Graph above illustrates the occupations of Mill Hill residents in the workforce. Most workers are employed in manufacturing, production and service industries, followed by sales and office work.

b) Physical Development and Existing Conditions

The Neighborhood is very dense and compact, defined largely by its main transportation corridors (Boston Avenue and Barnum Avenue). The overall density of the neighborhood is high: There are approximately 9,882 people per square mile in the Mill Hill Neighborhood compared to the City average of 8,721 people per square mile (over 1,000 more people per square mile). Additionally, there is only two tenths of one percent (.2%) of the City’s total land area dedicated to parks and open space. The neighborhood is located at a relatively high elevation overlooking the City. As a consequence, most of the lower sections of the neighborhood are located along its western and eastern edges. Areas for risk of flooding include the rear of properties fronting on the western side of Seaview Avenue along the Stillman’s Pond/Seeley Pond/Yellow Mill River Pond area; and the residential and commercial areas located along Barnum and Boston Avenues near West Avenue, Bowe Street, Sage Avenue, Weber Avenue, Bishop Avenue and Brookfield at near the Stratford line. (See map below).

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400 W

ork

ers

Occupation Type

Mill Hill Occupations

Series1


Map of 100 year flood plain within area of Mill Hill neighborhood. Source: FEMA

c) Infrastructure

The neighborhood is served by a full urban infrastructure (sanitary sewer and public water supply), which can support a significantly high level of population growth and development without threat to the environment and public water supplies. An ongoing concern for Bridgeport, however, has been the fact that sanitary sewers and storm water sewers are combined in many parts of the City, a condition that has required the City to set aside capital funds to separate the two systems over time. There is a significant transportation system serving the Mill Hill neighborhood, including Boston Avenue/Route 1, Barnum Avenue, and Seaview Avenue. U.S. Interstate 95 and State Route 8/25 are both readily accessible from the neighborhood as well.

d) Architecture

According to U.S. Census data, approximately 70% of the housing stock in the Mill Hill

neighborhood was built prior to 1960. Many buildings date back to the late 1800s and

early 1900s when the Industrial Age was a strong influence on construction in the Mill

Hill neighborhood and the City as a whole. There is a vernacular Victorian and colonial

revival influence in the architecture of the area, especially homes and churches. In fact,

the architectural quality is so important in the neighborhood that two areas within or

near the Mill Hill neighborhood have been designated as National Register Historic

Districts:


REMINGTON VILLAGE HISTORIC DISTRICT

This area was listed on the National Register Historic District in 1990. It is generally

bounded by Willow and East Avenues, and between Boston and Barnum Avenue. This

district is approximately 17 acres with 69 buildings.

REMINGTON CITY HISTORIC DISTRICT

Although three larger apartments are located on Palisade Avenue, the district is

generally located west of Palisade Avenue between Remington and Bond Streets, and

between Tudor Avenue between Stewart Street. This area was listed on the National

Register of Historic Places in 1990; includes 164 buildings; and, is approximately 18

acres. While this historic district is located just outside of the Mill Hill neighborhood, it

is immediately adjacent to the neighborhood and its characteristics should be

incorporated into the direction to be taken with the NRZ Strategic Plan. It is also a

natural extension of one of the areas considered by the NRZ leadership to be a

potential target area for NRZ activities.

Map of National Register Historic Districts in Vicinity of Mill Hill Neighborhood


e) Neighborhood Resources/Assets

Pictured above is Hall School, an Elementary School service the Mill Hill Neighborhood

There are many services and organizations serving the Mill Hill Neighborhood, which are seen as

assets to the community, including schools and churches. Pictured below is a map of the existing school district boundaries. The NRZ Planning Committee learned that the Board of Education’s long-range facility planning will likely not consider changes to the Hall or Dunbar Schools for the next 4 or 5 years or so. The focus in the near term will be the relocation (and likely renaming) of the Harding High School.

Overlapping school district boundaries are illustrated above. Please note that the Dunbar Middle School and

Harding High School boundaries overlap several neighborhoods. To help define the boundaries, the color code


used above differentiates the boundaries of the elementary schools: the boundaries of the Hall and Edison

Elementary Schools, located within the Mill Hill Neighborhood, are shown above in tan and light green.

f) Neighborhood Organizations and Activities

There are a number of non-profit organizations

Bridgeport Neighborhood Fund

This local non-profit has had considerable success with a multitude of neighborhood

improvement projects, ranging from housing rehabilitation to Lead Based Paint

abatement programs, home ownership counseling/ financing, and major capital

investments.

GBAPP, Inc. (Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program) – this non-profit

organization is located in the neighborhood and was formed with the mission of

reducing teen pregnancy; reducing the spread of HIV; increasing access to care and

supportive services; enhancing positive relationships; and promoting a sense of

personal responsibility. The organization provides a Maternity Home on 25 Ford Place,

a group home for single girls and teen moms on Mill Hill Avenue, an after-school

program at 1470 Barnum Avenue, and several prevention and early intervention

programs on teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS on school and

community sites across Bridgeport. GBAPP is also the lead agency for the Ryan White

AIDS funding in the region and the grantee for the Drug Free Communities Grant in

Bridgeport.

Habitat for Humanity

This national faith-based housing organization is located on Barnum Avenue near the

Mill Hill neighborhood. The organization expressed interest in promoting the

rehabilitation of deteriorated structures and construction of new units where they are

able to acquire property for little or no monies. Their model emphasizes owner-

occupancy for low income households.

Recovery Network of Programs, Inc. (RNP) –Recovery Network of Programs, Inc.

restores hope, health, and wellbeing for individuals and families in a recovery

environment that embraces compassion, dignity and respect. The organization

provides case management and treatment services with individuals with substance

abuse, mental health and/or housing needs.

Trash Busters –


This community group has been around for years within the Mill Hill and the Upper

East Side Neighborhoods and has been an advocate for neighborhood improvements.

The group has actively participated in the NRZ process, has testified on Community

Development Block Grant projects, has organized countless cleanup campaigns, and

has sponsored significant community activities and events. While some of its members

live just outside of the Mill Hill NRZ boundary, they have actively participated in this

NRZ Strategic Planning process and has expressed interest in playing an important role

in continuing to organize the community and rally support for implementing

recommendations of the Mill Hill NRZ Strategic Plan.

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Southern CT, Inc. –

The organization has been implementing “Project Independence” which is a multi-site,

scattered housing project designed to provide the opportunity for home ownership for

individuals and families facing barriers resulting from the disabilities of an individual

and/or a member of the family, and families with earning capacity at or under 50% to

80% of the Area Median Income. Phase One of Project Independence calls for the

creation of seven (7) three-bedroom homes of approximately 1,250 square feet with a

universal access design, and the capacity to handle the most sophisticated types of

assistive and adaptive technologies such as “handi-movers”. Of these seven homes,

two (2) were located in the Mill Hill neighborhood and were reaching completion as

this Strategic Plan was being finalized. The two houses are situated on White Street.

During the NRZ planning process, members of the Planning Committee supported a

proposal for use of Community Development Block Grant funding to improve/replace

sidewalks and plant street trees in this location. While the funds weren’t approved in

this round, this kind of application is a very good example of how target areas can be

created through which limited funds are used to make significant change in a

significant area.


g) Existing Land Uses and Patterns

According to the City’s recent Plan of Conservation and Development, current land use patterns are roughly as follows:

Single Family housing 28.6% Two-Four Family Residential 25.8% Multi-Family (5+) Residential 15.4% Commercial 7.3% Mixed-Use 1.8% Light Industrial 0.8% Heavy Industrial 1.4% Utility 0.1% Park/Open Space 0.6% Institutional 9.0% Vacant 9.4% Brownfields 4.6%*

*A proportionate amount of the land uses listed above

h) Development Regulations

ZONING The neighborhood is zoned in several land use categories: Residential: R-A – Low density Residential, Single Family, 7,500 - 9,000 s.f. R-B – Medium Density, 3-6 Family Dwellings, 7,500-9,000 s.f. R-C – High Density, MF, Apartments, Condos, 9,000 s.f. Business: OR-N – Office/Retail Neighborhood OR-S – Office/Retail Strorefront MU-EM – Mixed-Use. Educational/Medical, 5,000 s.f. MU-P – Mixed-Use Perimeter, 6,000 s.f. HI – Heavy Industrial

The existing Zoning Map is shown on the next page. The Plan of Conservation and Development identified a series of recommendations for land use change throughout the community, which should serve as a guide for the Mill Hill NRZ Plan.


Selected Recommendations from the City of Bridgeport 2020 Plan of Conservation and

Development, March 2008:

Mixed-Use Development of the General Electric property

Diversification of economic development

Emphasis on Health Care and other sustainable employment

CITY OF BRIDGEPORT, CT ZONING MAP

-Zoning Classifications for the Mill Hill Neighborhood


3. REINVESTMENT/DEVELOPMENT CLIMATE IN THE MILL HILL

NEIGHBORHOOD

Neighborhood deterioration is, in many ways, a process of disinvestment by individual property owners, residents and businesses. These choices to either invest or not invest in improvements to property, ongoing maintenance and other property investments send strong signals that influence other individuals in their decisions to purchase in the community, take on a mortgage or finance expansions, etc. To be successful, the revitalization strategy has to recognize the general reinvestment climate of the neighborhood and build on those natural market forces. In the case of the Mill Hill Neighborhood, that reinvestment climate is influenced mostly by the overall condition of the City and the examples of investment that are occurring and scheduled to occur within the neighborhood itself. As a result, it is also important to make investments in the revitalization effort in a way that is very visible. Improvements along major transportation routes or in central areas where people congregate are certainly going to have a greater impact than building or renovation projects located in remote areas that no one sees. Within the Mill Hill neighborhood, there are a number of significant projects that are contemplated on the horizon and are in various stages of planning. These projects are also located along Route 1 (Boston Avenue), the central artery to the Mill Hill neighborhood. As a consequence, these redevelopment initiatives have the potential for becoming very visible signs of change within the neighborhood – to residents and passers through alike. RELOCATION OF HARDING HIGH SCHOOL

Harding High School, pictured above, will be replaced by a new High School to be located on the site of

the former General Electric industrial complex on Boston Avenue.


The City’s plans to relocate Harding High School will have an important influence on the revitalization of Mill Hill. The two-story school is overcrowded, but expanding it would be impossible since it sits on just eight acres and is sandwiched between Boston Avenue and Bridgeport Hospital. The school was originally built in 1924 and is in serious need of replacement. The City has been negotiating with the General Electric Company to relocate Harding High School from its current site on Central Avenue to rebuild it as a new school on a portion of GE’s Boston Avenue site. The project is in the design phase and a timeline for completing the new school is roughly 18 months with a target opening of September 2015. The estimated cost is $78 million, and the school will house 800 students in grades 9-12. The facility will include an athletic complex with full football and softball fields and will occupy approximately 15 acres towards the rear of the GE property. Early designs show the new school to be built on 4 levels. BRIDGEPORT HOSPITAL EXPANSION Bridgeport Hospital, seen as a major stabilizing element of this neighborhood, has plans to expand in the short to mid-term to construct additions to accommodate future growth and expansion into land that will be vacated with the relocation of the Harding High School. This expansion will represent a significant investment in the community that will result in increases to jobs and services within the Mill Hill neighborhood. During the NRZ Planning process, the Hospital began improvements to its entrance, by obtaining permission from the City to close Grant Street to through traffic and to construct a reconfiguration of its accessways to the hospital and garage and its main entrance (see below). The Bridgeport Hospital Emergency Department expansion and renovation project included a 10,000 square foot addition and 21,000 square feet of renovations to waiting areas, administrative offices, triage and treatment rooms and 75 parking spaces. Renovations to the CT Burn Center have also been a clear sign of reinvestment in the neighborhood.

http://www.ctpost.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=local&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Bridgeport+Hospital%22


Recent Bridgeport Hospital Improvements have included the Emergency Department Expansion and

Renovation Project, pictured above.

The rendering above illustrates the reconfiguration of Grant Street to accommodate a more

functional gateway entrance into the Bridgeport Hospital complex. The project should provide an

opportunity for a unique beautification and landscaping element at the center of the neighborhood.

New Cul-de-

Sac entrance

to serve

existing

buildings.


REDEVELOPMENT OF THE GENERAL ELECTRIC PROPERTY

General Electric has spent the year dismantling the massive former arms and munitions factory that gave the city the name Arsenal of Democracy built by Remington Arms in 1915. This has been seen as one of the most significant “deconstruction” projects in the State. The Company has demolished a series of 13 interconnected, five-story buildings and has removed contaminated soil in the upland area adjacent to Seeley Pond in an effort to prepare the 77-acre site for redevelopment. As noted, the City has been negotiating to locate the new Harding High School on approximately 15 or 16 acres to the rear of the site. According to an article in the CT Post, “The plant was sold to GE in the spring of 1920 for $7 million. At first, it was used to make armored cable, outlet boxes and the like. Electric fan production began in 1926, and between the early 1930s and the 1980s, countless coffee percolators, electric mixers, toasters and other small appliances poured out of the plant. By 1990, GE had scaled back operations there considerably, and by 2007, the plant was more-or-less empty.”

The original manufacturing buildings that housed the General Electric Company operation on Boston

Avenue in the Mill Hill Neighborhood, pictured above. The buildings were razed by the beginning of

2013 to make way for the remediation and redevelopment of the former industrial site.


4. SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

During the Neighborhood Planning Workshop in June 2012, the neighborhood leadership identified a number of areas they saw as creating development issues or opportunities for the Mill Hill neighborhood. In the final analysis, those discussions served as a good overall summary for this section:

STRENGTHS Participants identified several strengths that made the neighborhood a desirable place to live and/or work. Among them was convenient transportation access to the neighborhood; the presence of Bridgeport Hospital; the racial and ethnic diversity of the neighborhood; its location high on the hill with views overlooking downtown Bridgeport and Bridgeport Harbor; and, good public transportation and a neighborhood of concerned citizens.

WEAKNESSES Participants also identified their concerns or weaknesses, particularly the deteriorated sidewalks and secondary streets in the neighborhood; pedestrian safety and traffic dangers (e.g., speed, lack of crossing lights); and, the lack of parks and open space.

OPPORTUNITIES (Development Opportunities) The most significant opportunities for encouraging development were seen as follows:

Support for current large development projects planned for the neighborhood: Relocation of Harding High School to General Electric property Expansion of Bridgeport Hospital into Harding High School property Redevelopment of remainder of General Electric property

Boston Avenue Redevelopment and Commercial Revitalization Seaview Avenue Corridor Redevelopment and waterfront reclamation Long-term growth and development associated with the proposed East

Bridgeport Train Station

THREATS (Development Issues)

Neighborhood leaders were concerned about a number of issues that need to be addressed in the revitalization strategy if it is to be effective: limited activities for neighborhood residents (especially the youth and the elderly) low homeownership levels, crime, blight, and graffiti.

When the City adopted its Plan of Conservation and Development recently, it made reference on page 130 to the development climate, noting that “…Bridgeport’s tax rate is significantly higher than those of other Fairfield communities. This places an undue burden on property owners, hindering property investment”.


All of these factors must be recognized in developing the NRZ strategy, as well as anticipating the timeframe for achieving a successful revitalization.

Photo above, shows current view of Barnum Avenue in an easterly direction near Central Avenue.


5. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

As noted, four committees were formed to address the major identified areas of concern to the NRZ Strategic Plan (Housing, Open Space and Recreation, Transportation/Traffic, and Safety and Security). It was of great interest to see common themes emerge from the various committee discussions, most notably between the Housing Committee, the Open Space and Recreation Committee, and the Safety and Security Committee. All of these committees discussed the critical importance of addressing crime and creating a sense of security within the neighborhood as the revitalization strategy is pursued – especially in areas targeted for the development of new family housing. With each committee, addressing crime was seen as the top priority in the strategy. Addressing the element of crime was also examined from several different angles (increasing neighborhood involvement in monitoring and reporting crime, developing positive alternatives for youth who may have little better to do than stand on street corners, and attempting to broaden the police presence within the community). All of the committees discussed the critical importance of addressing crime and creating a sense of security within the neighborhood as a safe environment. Those common themes helped to guide the rankings of Housing, Open Space and Recreation, Safety and Security, and Transportation and Traffic. Those four major topics are divided in committee charges, issues, resources, and recommendations as shown below.

a) Housing Committee

Resource People: Sabine Kuczo, City of Bridgeport Lead Free Families Program Elizabeth Torres, Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust Thomas Corso, Seaview Avenue Business Alliance Iris Cordero Taylor, Habitat for Humanity Beverly Hoppie, Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust Charges of Committee

To identify and promote programs and strategies to encourage property improvements by absentee land owners

To identify and promote programs to increase home ownership

To develop strategies for adaptive reuse and conversion of existing multi-family properties for home ownership purposes

To identify and promote housing rehabilitation programs

To encourage non-profit organization involvement in the Mill Hill NRZ strategy

Issues

Blight, deterioration

High levels of absentee ownership (approx. 50%)

Soil conditions (hot spots require remediation before new construction)

Asbestos, lead contamination


Available Resources

City of Bridgeport’s Lead Free Families Program (HUD funded) o $8,000 forgivable loan to eliminate lead health hazards (windows, doors, soil). o Inspection program o Combined with UI weatherization program o Combined with Fire Dept. free smoke detector program o Education, focus on families with children under 6 o Requires code compliance o Interest in expanding program to incorporate Healthy Homes Initiative (State

program, LAMP, uses volunteers)

Community Development Block Grant Program (traditional project eligibility)

HOME program The HOME program is authorized under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, as amended. HOME provides formula grants to States and localities that communities use-often in partnership with local nonprofit groups-to fund a wide range of activities that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people.

Seaview Avenue Business Alliance o For 15 years, they have been building on the Seaview Avenue Corridor Study o Their efforts have been based on successful plans from Hartford and New Haven o Businesses invest in area neighborhood as part of overall business corridor

enhancement o Lighting programs at intersections, through UI – increased 30% in area, requires

involvement of alderperson and City Council (Also Light the Night, but with a cost to businesses)

o Land donations to nonprofit organizations (Habitat, BNT) on perpendicular streets to promote home ownership – City land less available in recent years. Efforts on Holly,Williston, Deacon

o Focus on Seaview Avenue widening to Stratford Avenue. Underpass/viaduct is major obstacle

Community Development Block Grant funds for sidewalks

Down Payment Assistance. The CT Housing Finance Authority often has down payment assistance program funds available, and the Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust (see below) can be helpful in locating current down payment assistance funds. In some communities, local sponsors (corporations, businesses) will provide down payment assistance to employees. Yale New Haven Hospital has provided funding of this type in New Haven, CT for example. These funds can be useful to bridge any gaps to helping a family qualify for a home mortgage to purchase a home.

Habitat for Humanity o Very interested in the neighborhood o Primarily looking for vacant land for new construction, rehabilitation more costly.

City needs to get property in tax base (only 49-51% of taxable land currently)

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/lawsandregs/laws/

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/lawsandregs/laws/


o Focus on single family and two family to increase home ownership

Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust o Few current opportunities for housing development that meet organization’s

model, but organization is open to future involvement (too many absentee owned properties being held, and mortgages and taxes are being paid. Meanwhile, effort to repair and maintain homes are low)

o Emphasis on home ownership promotion Counseling programs Education Down payment assistance

o Can also work with rental properties, Section 8, etc.

Special Needs Housing o United Cerebral Palsy Association of Southern CT, Inc. – homes with handicap

accessibility Two modular homes on White Street were constructed during the

planning process o Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program (GBAPP, Inc. – Housing for pregnant

adolescents) Located at Ford Place and Mill Hill

o Center for Women and Families (promotes housing and support programs, especially for female single parent headed households)

o Liberation Program – Behavioral health program, 399 Mill Hill (addresses needs of individuals struggling with drug addiction)

b) Open Space Committee

Resource People: Steve Hyladun, Parks and Recreation Department City of Bridgeport, CT Having sufficient open space and recreational opportunities is a key element to maintaining

the livability of a neighborhood. Open space and green streetscapes can provide important

breaks in a built urban environment and soften the appearance of a community

characterized with ‘hard edges’ (paved roads and parking lots, sidewalks, large buildings,

utility poles, and other utilities). Studies have shown that parks, open space, and recreational

facilities can be important to the general well-being and health of a neighborhood as well.

The presence of well-maintained landscaped areas and street trees are important signs of

the City and its property owners caring in their community enough to invest in enhancing it.

Recreational facilities can help improve the overall health of the neighborhood’s residents

and, in urban areas, have also provided an outlet to younger people and an alternative to

loitering or possibly getting involved in gangs or other criminal activities.

According to the City’s Parks Master Plan 2011, there are forty-five (45) parks in the City of

Bridgeport, which in total comprise 1,346 acres of open space. In the Boston Avenue/Mill Hill


neighborhood, there are two (2) parks with a total of 9.8 acres of open space. The

neighborhood is ranked among the lowest compared to nationals standards for all parks and

neighborhood parks. The larger neighborhood area for this study is populated by

approximately 10,322 residents (slightly different boundaries than the NRZ neighborhood,

which has approximately half that population).

The Mill Hill Neighborhood has a number of obstacles to address, beginning with its existing

physical characteristics:

1. The Mill Hill Neighborhood has one of the highest densities of population in the City

of Bridgeport, indicating that the number of apartments and homes in the

neighborhood are proportionately higher than other neighborhoods.

2. The amount of open space in the Mill Hill Neighborhood is, conversely, very low.

According to The Parks Plan, the Mill Hill Area is ranked as having “High” park needs,

especially the area between Boston Avenue and Barnum Avenue where there are no

existing recognized parks or open space.

c) Safety and Security Committee

Resource People:

Officer Nicholas Ortiz, Bridgeport Police Department Officer Roger Reid, Bridgeport Police Department Ivan Miranda, Bridgeport Hospital Security Department

To keep existing residents and businesses within a neighborhood – and to attract new ones –

it is important that there is a general feeling of safety and security within that neighborhood.

Residents need to feel comfortable walking in their neighborhood without feeling

threatened, that their children are safe from harm when they play outside or walk to and

from school, and that their homes are protected. In a similar way, businesses need to have a

sense that their property and inventory are protected from thieves and vandals and that

their customers will feel comfortable coming to do business within the neighborhood. In

reality, there are many elements that contribute to a neighborhood’s general sense of well-

being and safety.

During the June 2012 Neighborhood Workshop, participants raised concerns about incidents

of drug dealings, gang activity, and isolated shootings in the Mill Hill area that lessened the

sense of public safety and security in the neighborhood.

The charges of the Committee were to:


Review and discuss current issues surrounding safety (crime, lighting, pedestrian

crossings, etc.)

Recommend projects/proposals for consideration in plan (block watch formation,

police substation concept, patrol needs, lighting improvements, etc.)

Blight programs and clean up efforts (e.g. litter control, graffiti removal)

Officer Ortiz agreed to obtain current statistics for the NRZ as the process continues. This

could be useful information to guide specific neighborhood strategies for highlighting issues

of crime for the Police Department to address.

Conditions Affecting Security:

Criminal activity generally occurs most frequently in areas that are dark, where there

is little surveillance, and where building conditions are deteriorating.

Visible police presence can decrease the level of crime in an area

Areas that undergo revitalization and which involve neighborhood people in

managing the area show decreases in levels of crime

Sufficient lighting of an area tends to reduce crime

Crime tends to grow in areas where there are no suitable alternatives to hanging on

streets or getting involved in criminal activity

Available Resources

Mill Hill is remote to the central Police Department, however, there is an office at

Bridgeport Hospital that is dedicated as a police substation. If the neighborhood

wishes to pursue a more formal police substation, the neighborhood leaders will

need to make a case to the City to secure funding in a difficult time. Neighborhoods

that are successful in obtaining resource commitments must invest time in

documenting their case and their need and present their case to the City and

demonstrate there is a major amount of community backing.

Bridgeport Hospital has a surveillance crew that periodically patrols by car the areas

adjacent to Hospital properties (main campus, remote offices, daycare for

employees, REACH program, etc.) Because the Hospital is central, their surveillance

covers a good portion of the subject neighborhood.

The City Board of Education has formed a program called Safe Corridors and has

established this program on a pilot basis at three different Bridgeport Public Schools,

one of which is Harding High School

The local non-profit organization GBAPP offers programs to youth to help keep them

productively occupied.

According to Officer Ortiz, the best solution to crime in a neighborhood is the

formation of Block Watches. While there have been past inquiries into forming block


watches in the area, there are currently NO active block watches within the Mill Hill

NRZ boundaries.

d) Transportation and Traffic Committee

Resource People: Doug Holcomb, Executive Director, Greater Bridgeport Transit District

Charges of Committee

To consider enhancements to road infrastructure such as Boston Avenue reconfiguration

To address parking problems, especially along narrow streets

To promote pedestrian safety (pedestrian crossings, intersection improvements, traffic

calming, bikeways)

To improve road and sidewalk conditions

To promote Safe Routes to Schools Program and Safe Corridors Program

To coordinate improvements in service with the Greater Bridgeport Transit District re:

bus service and facilities

Conditions to be Addressed

Road and sidewalk improvements are needed throughout different sections of the

neighborhood to improve carrying capacity and safety. The Committee is in the process

of scheduling a meeting with representatives from the Engineering Department and

possibly the Public Works Department to obtain any condition assessments that may

have already been performed and a list of current road and sidewalk capital projects

scheduled for completion over the coming five (5) years.

The design professionals involved in the design charrette should be asked to illustrate

some optional treatments for intersection improvements and road crossings that could

enhance pedestrian safety.

The NRZ Plan should support the Safe Corridors Plan and the Safe Routes to School Plan

as a method for implementing safety improvements that will make the neighborhood

more walkable.

Certain intersections within the Mill Hill neighborhood are too tight to accommodate

safe turning radii for the full-size GBTD buses, a condition which lengthens vehicle trips

for the buses and reduces traffic safety, for vehicles and pedestrians. The most critical

intersections are:

o Central Avenue and Grant Street

o Barnum Avenue and Mill Hill Avenue

o Seaview Avenue and Grant Street


Future service needs will be influenced by development choices within the

neighborhood, such as the redevelopment of the General Electric Property, the

relocation and redevelopment of Harding High School, and the expansion of Bridgeport

Hospital.

When the East Bridgeport Transit Station is constructed near the southwestern corner of

the neighborhood, there will be the potential for significant impact on transit

connections to the Hospital and within the neighborhood generally.

Available Resources

I. Doug Holcomb reviewed the current infrastructure and capacity of the Greater

Bridgeport Transit District, highlighting the availability of 57 buses and 29 mini-buses that

currently operate along 20 routes throughout the region. The level of service within the

Mill Hill Neighborhood is high when compared to other neighborhoods. This is especially

true because of the location of Bridgeport Hospital centrally within the neighborhood.

II. There are multiple improvements in bus service occurring in relation to technological

advancements such as the introduction of GPS tracking units on buses, which have

enabled passengers to follow the anticipated arrival of their bus by location – and in real

time.

III. There are five primary bus routes of the Greater Bridgeport Transit District that serve the

Mill Hill neighborhood:

a. Route # 1 – Along Barnum Avenue

b. Route # 13 – Travels up the length of Central Avenue through the neighborhood.

This route is seen as the most heavily used.

c. Route # 15 – Enters from the west and serves Bridgeport Hospital

d. Route # 23 – Also enters from the west and serves Bridgeport Hospital

e. Route # 17 – Travels along Seaview Avenue and Boston Avenue in the vicinity of

the General Electric property.

(Note: Route #15 and Route # 23 will be re-routed when Grant Street is partially

closed to accommodate enhancements to the Bridgeport Hospital entrance.

IV. The Greater Bridgeport Transit District has received a $1.2 Million grant that is

immediately available to fund the installation of at least eighty (80) new bus shelters

within the Bridgeport area, and approximately 1,400 new signs. Since there is a major

level of service within the Mill Hill neighborhood, it is believed the neighborhood would

stand a good chance of making a compelling argument for approximately two (2) or

three (3) of these shelters to be located within the Mill Hill NRZ plan area.


Plan view of neighborhood, above, illustrates multiple elements of the Mill Hill NRZ

Strategic Plan and their relationship to one another. -Stuart Sachs, PRE/view Landscape Architects

PROJECTS


6. MILL HILL NRZ PLAN

Elements of Strategic Plan

1) SEAVIEW AVENUE UNDERPASS

In order to develop adequate access on Seaview Avenue for commercial and local

traffic, an underpass is required to provide adequate truck clearance and added lanes.

At present, the ongoing work at Fairfield Avenue shows a potential method to

accommodate the construction technique along with drainage. In this case, it pumps

should be located well above flood levels.

2) NEW RAILROAD STATION

As a graphic inclusion on this plan, the building shape demonstrates a welcoming form to the

neighborhood and provides a commanding view over the waterfront and adjacent park.

3) MIXED USE GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT

The plan shows three general categories of site improvements:

ACCESS: Including new pedestrian scale bridge, bicycle and walking paths, and

improved vehicular/pedestrian bridge; (see comments Seaview Ave. Realignments)

ENVIRONMENTAL: Stream restoration, tree planting that include park-like settings in

adjacency to commercial & residential uses, urban gardening on commercial and private

residential scale with available large green houses, and water access for kayak and canoe

users and services;

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL: In conjunction with the Seaview Avenue

improvements and the stream improvements, several new buildings could provide

commercial and residential uses with structure footprints ranging from 10,000 SF. to

80,000 SF.

4) BOSTON AVENUE REALIGNMENT WITH PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE

ACCESS UNDER ROADWAY

Perhaps the most important view of the Mill Hill area is seen coming from the west on

Boston Avenue. Starting with a roadway alignment that uses a single gentle curve over the

stream and former railroad tracks below, many more street trees can continue the Boston

Avenue Green up onto Mill Hill. The former dual track rail access (adjacent to the

channeled stream) under Boston Avenue can provide pedestrians and bicyclists an ideal

greenway separation and increased parkway settings for the existing and future adjacent

neighborhoods.


5) WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT & ACCESS

The existing parking lot wedged between Lakeview Cemetery and Stillman Pond offers a

unique urban asset: a flowing stream over a small dam. Along with providing improved

fish access both upstream, site improvements offer a unique location for a restaurant, or an

extension of mixed use development from the nearby future greenway.

6) GENERAL ELECTRIC REDEVELOPMENT

Much has been speculated about this site because of its size and location. Along with

future area improvements, this site lends itself to a variety of much larger land uses that

will accommodate industrial, educational (a new Harding High School site), and mixed

use commercial and residential.

7) SEAVIEW AVENUE REALIGNMENT

There are three general roadway concerns that expressed in this plan :

The improved intersection alignment between Boston Avenue and Bond Street facilitating

larger vehicular access to the GE site and beyond;

Carriageway improvements with wider turning radii at select local streets as well as at

least one added vehicular lane and two bicycle lanes for the entire length of Seaview

Avenue

A Complete Streets program with drainage improvements, plantings, and separated

pedestrian & bicycle access.

8) GREEN SPACES AT LOCAL STREET INTERSECTIONS

There are eight (8) intersections on Boston Avenue between Seaview Avenue and

Ridgefield Avenue at the top of the hill. In an effort to provide additional street tree

planting and include traffic calming details, these streets should include intersection

design improvements. A modest design detail could consider curb line changes for not

only wider turning radii, but also using the 25’ from intersections ( a non-parking zone) as

a place to provide trees and streetscape improvements.

9) COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTER

One of the notable products of the NRZ design charrette was a consistent request for a

community center that also included services and activities for seniors – a good fit with

the nearby Bridgeport Hospital.

10) BOSTON AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS

One of the recurring comments from participants at the design charrette was the Boston

Avenue traffic pattern west of Ridgefield Avenue. With plans for an increased


development at Bridgeport Hospital, the former GE site, and Remington Woods, it appears

that more entering and turning traffic will require additional highway design that should

include more street tree plantings as well as Complete Street design ideas. The alignments

of through traffic lanes, as well as the need for turning lanes, cross walks, signal, etc. are

needed to assure safe neighborhoods.

11) BOSTON AVENUE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

Along with the previously mentioned avenue improvements, additional concern to

improve parking and sign controls on the east end of Boston Avenue is important for the

support of local businesses. The Mill Hill NRZ committee also supports Gateway

improvements typical in Bridgeport such as thematic signs and streetscapes in all plans.

Many of the parking spaces are unmarked and encourage driving across sidewalk and

pedestrian areas. Along with defined areas for sidewalk cafes, trees, and parking, the plan

recommends the use of back-in-angle parking. When compared to current parking

practices, the recommended pattern reduces the amount of time and street area drivers

needed (driving in and backing out into traffic); when car doors are opened, children are

directed away from traffic; when opening a trunk, vehicles are opening on to a safe

sidewalk; and perhaps most importantly, when re-entering roadways, driver can look

directly at oncoming traffic – not needing to back a vehicle out passed an adjacent view-

blocking vehicle before seeing traffic while simply entering the traffic flow.

12) BARNUM AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENTS

Barnum Avenue is a major artery in the Mill Hill area and as such needs careful attention

given to it for more than just tree plantings and lights, but perhaps more importantly for

Complete Streets with the use traffic calming details and improved turning radii for

commercial vehicle service. One immediate detail that could be the considered is the

intersection of Pixlee Place, Barnum Avenue, & Elizabeth Street. This intersection is one

of the major access points to Bridgeport Hospital from the east and should have simplified

turning lanes and access procedures for emergency vehicles and the general public.

13) STREET TREE PLANTINGS

Although the graphics demonstrate plantings on Grant Street, the tree planting is for all of

the streets in Mill Hill area. This effort can involve individual sites or the coordinated

efforts for entire blocks and streets. As an awareness of dramatic or extreme weather

patterns, this detail starts with individual efforts that demonstrate a global concern to

improve air quality and reduce heat island effects in urban areas.

14) BRIDGEPORT HOSPITAL EXPANSION

Bridgeport Hospital is the area’s largest employer and acts as the primary medical service

for the region. They have announced intended plans to grow their facility and expand care


services. It is evident that if they want to expand their facility that they could use a good

deal of the Harding High School site, especially for much needed senior services.

a) Action Plan: Strategic Plan

The revitalization of the Mill Hill neighborhood will result from the dynamic interaction of efforts by individuals and groups that are working in close coordination. The Planning Committee is well aware that the revitalization of the neighborhood will hinge largely on major investments that are beyond the direct control of the NRZ. It will be incumbent on neighborhood leaders to support these efforts and to build the strength of the community organizations that will be working to improve the overall desirability of the neighborhood. The Plan is presented as a series of separate community programs and projects that could collectively revitalize the Mill Hill neighborhood. The NRZ should monitor and support the completion of these programs and projects and advocate for City, State and Federal resources to help in their implementation.

b) Vision Statement

This NRZ Plan sees the Mill Hill Neighborhood of the future as being a

walkable, livable and culturally diverse neighborhood that is considered a

community of choice for residents and business owners alike, and one which

possesses safe, attractive streets, quality housing choices, a strong sense of

community supported by a diverse selection of faith-based organizations, and a

full range of neighborhood amenities.

c) Plan Overview

The Mill Hill Neighborhood is seen as a good place in which to live and to work. It has a strong neighborhood identity, and the neighborhood possesses characteristics and opportunities that will help the neighborhood become a neighborhood of choice within the City. The key components of the NRZ Revitalization Plan are designed around the elements of the neighborhood that offer its greatest strengths, including:

Strong leadership among residents, politicians, businesses, and nonprofit organizations

A wide variety of faith-based choices and organizations

Active support from the City of Bridgeport

The presence and “good citizenship” of Bridgeport Hospital

Convenient location and access to multiple transportation modes

Development projects on the horizon that will have a strong influence on the future of Mill Hill

The historic character of the neighborhood


Redevelopment of a neighborhood requires key investments that help to improve overall market conditions and create a “climate of investment” to attract new residents and businesses to the area. The Mill Hill NRZ Strategic Plan seeks to support three (3) redevelopment projects already planned for the Mill Hill neighborhood and to implement neighborhood improvement projects that will build on these redevelopment efforts and address pressing issues around road and sidewalk conditions, neighborhood security, limited open space and low home ownership levels. As noted, the Plan seeks to support efforts in the short term (one to five years) that would encourage completion of three (3) large scale expansion and redevelopment projects as follows:

Bridgeport Hospital expansion – The NRZ Plan supports the efforts of Bridgeport Hospital to expand its operations into the adjoining Harding High School property as plans are finalized for the High School’s relocation to the General Electric site on Boston Avenue. If possible, the Mill Hill neighborhood would like a portion of the property to remain as open space. The Plan also supports current road improvements near the entrance to the Hospital that will result in a change in traffic flow along Grant Street as a portion of the road is closed and will terminate in a cul-de-sac. The project will introduce a landscaping element and will create enhanced pedestrian connections to the entrance of the hospital (pictured next page). The Hospital began constructing these improvements in early 2013.

Redevelopment of the General Electric property – A private redevelopment project for the reuse of a former Brownfield property operated by the General Electric Company for over a century. Current plans call for Harding High School to be relocated to a new school/campus on this 14-acre site. It is not expected to fill the entire site. While this property was included within the approved NRZ Plan boundary for Mill Hill, there was a reluctance to plan for the redevelopment of this site prematurely. The owners recently demolished the buildings formerly located on the site and are now addressing the remediation of the property to prepare it for redevelopment. While it would be difficult for the NRZ Plan to recommend a specific reuse of the property at this time, it would be beneficial to the NRZ Strategic Plan if the property’s redevelopment could incorporate some or all of the following concepts:

Commercial, service or industrial uses that promote jobs for the Mill Hill Neighborhood, especially jobs that are expected to create opportunity for future growth in the City of Bridgeport as a whole, such as the health industry, as recognized in the City’s recent update to its (Master) Plan of Conservation and Development 2008. Creation of supportive medical services could possibly be pursued in collaboration with expansion efforts of Bridgeport Hospital.

Mixed uses that could support Transit Oriented Development in the Mill Hill Neighborhood when the East Bridgeport Train Station is developed. (Note proximity of site to the proposed station is less than ¾ miles). The uses could include retail, service, and office uses and, possibly mixed-income residential uses if the remediation standards are met (although these are more costly. Primary issue would be approved density, which could be 30 or 40 dwelling units per acre or higher).


Publicly accessible open space or walkways to connect the neighborhood with the river and to provide much needed open space for the neighborhood. This component could be designed in connection with the new High School development.


Rendering, Above, shows Detail of Grant Street Reconfiguration to provide enhanced entryway to Bridgeport Hospital.


Harding High School Relocation – A public sector/partnership project (the relocation and construction of the new Harding High School, which is planned as part of the redevelopment of the General Electric property). The High School is currently located on Central Avenue. Once the new High School is constructed on the General Electric property (likely with a new name), the property will be available to support the expansion of Bridgeport Hospital. During the NRZ process, it was noted that this property is the only current City-owned property large enough to offer some degree of open space or recreational opportunities for the neighborhood. The NRZ is hopeful some open space or a community park could be included as part of the Hospital’s expansion plans. There may also be opportunities here for creating open space or some form of beautification project along the Boston Avenue Corridor. Based on the NRZ’s early meetings with Jorge Garcia of the Bridgeport Board of Education, the new building is expected to be open and available for community use, including the cafeteria and gymnasium.

Redevelopment of the Harding High School Site. As the City proceeds with its plans for a new High School, thought should be given to include open space and recreational needs of the neighborhood as part of that plan. The Parks Plan shows the potential need for one additional playground for example. Additionally, there is a strong interest in having facilities of the school available to meet specific community needs (e.g. night time basketball for youth, community activities and library access).


d) Neighborhood Projects: Phase 1 - High Priority Projects

1. FORMATION OF NRZ COMMITTEE

This NRZ Strategic Plan recommends a focus on specific neighborhood projects that, if done properly, will build on the success of these larger redevelopment projects and allow impacts to radiate throughout the neighborhood. One of the primary recommended actions is the formation of a Mill NRZ Committee to implement the recommendations of this Plan after adoption by the neighborhood, the City and the State. The Planning Committee recommends that the NRZ Committee establish a regular schedule of meetings, preferably on at least a monthly basis. The City’s Office of Neighborhood Revitalization will provide staff support to the Mill Hill NRZ during this implementation phase. The following principles should guide the Committee:

Membership on the Committee should generally include the same partnership of stakeholders that existed on the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee (residents, businesses, nonprofits, churches, etc.). Assuming members are interested, there is a strong benefit to having existing Planning Committee members becoming part of the implementation committee since they already understand the importance of the Plan’s components.

The NRZ Committee will help guide neighborhood stakeholders as they work together to integrate these projects and to allocate limited resources to maximize impact. By having a committee structure in place, there will be a regular opportunity for members to identify funding sources to implement these neighborhood projects and monitor overall progress against the plan. It will also be important for the Committee to interpret the plan when it is necessary and to modify it along the way to meet future needs and future changes in the community. The Committee should submit projects to various agencies and funding sources, such as the Community Development Block Grant program, to obtain funding support.

The Committee should serve as an advocate for the neighborhood on City and private proposals within the Mill Hill area. This could include providing written or oral testimony at Common Council meetings, Planning and Zoning Commission meetings or Zoning Board of Appeals meetings, for example.

NOTE: Based on some of the early priorities identified for the Mill Hill NRZ Plan, the following

Subcommittees are recommended:

Transportation Committee – Boston Avenue Reconfiguration and Improvement project; Road Improvements; Pedestrian Crossings; Sidewalks; and Circulation (possible one-way streets along roads with heavy on street parking)

Boston Avenue Commercial Revitalization Committee

Community Center Committee

Community Outreach -- Block Watch Formation; Target Areas, housing programs

In general, it will be hard to accomplish all of the NRZ Plan with public funds alone. Public funds

should therefore be applied strategically to leverage private investment within these areas. Public

sector investments should be used to: a. support private sector projects and activities (e.g.


streetscape improvements, public improvements, subsidies) and b. leverage investments. Local

public/private partnerships should be developed wherever possible. The ultimate key to success will

be the degree to which the NRZ leaders are able to build strong partnerships with other groups and

funding agencies to assure sufficient resources and the commitment to complete important

projects.

2. Program of Road and Sidewalk Improvements – “Complete Streets” Concept

Throughout the development of the NRZ Strategic Plan, neighborhood leaders reiterated the importance of road and sidewalk improvements throughout the Mill Hill Neighborhood. During the Neighborhood Workshop in June and again, at the Design Charrette held in October, NRZ leadership and other neighborhood representatives underscored the importance of establishing a program for the Mill Hill neighborhood that would focus available resources on the systematic improvement of existing roads and sidewalks throughout the neighborhood. When this item came up for ranking by the NRZ Committee in November, it was ranked as having perhaps the highest importance of all neighborhood improvement projects. In general, the neighborhood sees the following as being of the greatest importance:

Roads to be improved to a good or excellent condition, with an ongoing maintenance program to promote easy circulation through the neighborhood for cars and for public transit.

Completion of safety improvements at key intersections to minimize the risk of walkers traveling from their homes to neighborhood retail and service establishments, schools and churches, parks and other neighborhood amenities, jobs and social gatherings. Improvements should include enhanced safety crossings, improved traffic controls and well-designed traffic calming measure where feasible, and ample street lighting.

(Above are examples of traffic calming measures that help to remind motorists that the road is a shared resource. By defining crossings with painted markings or changes in texture with the use of stamped concrete or pavers, pedestrian crossing zones are clearly identified…which helps slow


drivers down and make them aware of pedestrians in the road).

A sidewalk improvement program to assure that sidewalks are maintained in good repair to enable safe passage through the neighborhood.

Introduction of bicycle lanes on major roads and thoroughfares such as Boston Avenue, Mill Hill, Barnum Avenue and Seaside Avenue, to encourage alternate transportation choices for residents of the City and the neighborhood to get to work, bus stops and the future East Bridgeport train station.

This program will require careful coordination between the NRZ leadership, the City of Bridgeport Engineering Department, and the Public Works Department. Moreover, it will require the concerted political force of the neighborhoods elected representatives to assure that sufficient resources are allocated to this program.

Photo at left illustrates how

streets in Montreal, Canada

have been re-organized in a

way that enables “sharing” by

motorists, pedestrians and

bicyclists.


3. Boston Avenue Reconfiguration and Streetscape Improvements

The NRZ Plan sees the reconfiguration of Boston Avenue as being a critical step in improving safety and convenience of access into and through the Mill Hill Neighborhood. It is also seen as providing a significant opportunity for improving the “face” or appearance of the Mill Hill neighborhood since it is a major thoroughfare serving this area (State Route 1). At the western edge of the neighborhood, there are several issues that need to be addressed along Boston Avenue, including the poor alignment of some of its intersections (e.g. Seaview, Bond, Dover, Sheridan, Bell). The opportunity also exists for creating a much-needed landscape treatment and introducing a limited (but important) open space opportunity by continuing the existing esplanade that begins at East Main Street and Boston Avenue in the Upper East Side.

Specific efforts need to focus on improved pedestrian crossings in problem areas. The biggest

current area of concern is crossing over Boston Avenue at the top of the hill near the intersection of

Boston Avenue and Mill Hill Avenue.

Graphic, next page, illustrates various design issues that should be addressed along Boston Avenue from realignment to widening to landscaping. Streetscape design recommendations are shown on the next page.

-Stuart Sachs, PRE/view Landscape Architects

Open Space Committee Recommendations – As part of its effort, the Open Space Committee made

the following additional observations about Boston Avenue:

a. Boston Avenue Esplanade. The NRZ supports the extension of the Boston Avenue

esplanade into the Mill Hill neighborhood as a method for:

i. Creating centralized, visible open space within the neighborhood

ii. Providing a suitable gateway entrance into the Mill Hill neighborhood from

the west

iii. Providing an opportunity for reconstruction of Boston Avenue to address current road condition and alignment problems.


Seaview Ave./Bond St.

---

Sheridan St.--

Bell St., Dover St.--

Central Ave,

Remington St.

Mill Hill Avenue -


Undertaking streetscape and roadway improvements along Boston Avenue will not be an easy task, especially since it is a State road. It is recommended that the NRZ Committee approach the City to undertake a detailed assessment and traffic engineering study of Boston Avenue in conjunction with the State Department of Transportation, integrating other recommendations contained within this Plan. The study should explore the best options for upgrading and improving the functionality and design of Boston Avenue to support the revitalization of the neighborhood and to improve the overall carrying capacity of Boston Avenue. A project of this magnitude could take 5 years or more, depending on the extent of land acquisition that is required and other funding priorities the project would compete against. As proposed in this Plan, it may also be necessary for the City to assume maintenance of some of

the proposed roadway enhancements.

Streetscape improvements Proper treatment of the streetscape should address sidewalk and curb pavement/detail, street trees, planters, and street lights. Storefront improvements can include properly designed signage, attractive entryways and windows to activate the street, as well as outdoor seating, umbrellas, canopies and the use of public art.

During the planning for the Design Charrette,

Landscape Architect Aris Stalis came across the

concept of rear-end parking as illustrated at right.

This seems it could have some potential use for

certain sections of Boston Avenue as it is

reconfigured.


Illustration above, shows how introducing bike lanes, pedestrian sidewalks and landscaping can change the physical character and appeal of the street dramatically while significantly enhancing its functionality.


Photo above illustrates how streetscape improvements can change the appearance and appeal of a commercial street. The main difference between the two photos is the introduction of sidewalks with an amenity strip containing brick pavers, planting areas and street lights and street trees.

4. Dedicated One Way Streets

During the planning process, the Planning Committee identified a concern about parking and traffic

circulation on some of the residential streets in the eastern section of the neighborhood between

Boston Avenue and Barnum Avenue. Impacted streets include Willow Street, Pixlee Place, East

Avneue, Bishop Avenue, Brookfield Avenue, and Prince Street. In this area, there is limited off-

street parking, and there is a concentration of two to four-family dwellings. As a consequence, there

are a high number of vehicles parking on the street along both sides of some of these residential

streets. The situation is further compounded by the fact that the roads are narrow in this location,


and it makes it difficult to pass through these areas easily. The Committee agreed that it was a

priority to work with the City Engineering Department and the Police Department to designate

certain of these roads as one way streets to improve safety and traffic flow.


5. Seaview Avenue Redevelopment

Early in the NRZ process, Architect David Barbour consulted with peers in the field to envision what the Mill Hill neighborhood could become. As illustrated above, neighborhood potential is seen in multiple ways:

- Broad series of improvements to the Seaview Avenue Corridor as planned over the years by the City in order to access Remington Woods Property. Such improvements will likely require long term consideration of improvements and widening of viaduct underpasses, etc.

- Redevelopment of the waterfront at the western edge of the neighborhood - Introduction of new economic uses along Seaview Avenue - Potential for transit connections to East Bridgeport Train Station. - The ultimate completion of the East Bridgeport Train Station, which is envisioned

along Barnum Avenue near the border of the Mill Hill and East Side neighborhoods, will create opportunities for new Transit Oriented Development (TOD) within the southwestern corner of the Mill Hill Neighborhood, which is discussed further in the NRZ recommendations. In summary, TOD is tailored to the unique opportunities created by placing mixed-use development in proximity to public transit, and especially fixed route transit such as the train station. The feasibility for high density residential housing, retail and service uses, and office uses is significantly increased when located within a walkable distance of a train station (approximately one-half mile.)

- Streetscape improvements along main transportation corridors of neighborhood - Increased open space and recreational opportunities - Use of community gardens to reactivate vacant lots and create potential small

business opportunities for residents

Illustration on the next page depicts the Mill Hill neighborhood as seen looking east, with the Seaview Avenue Redevelopment/Yellow Mill Pond riverfront recapture project in the foreground.

-David Barbour, David Barbour Architects


GRAPHIC ABOVE: SEAVIEW AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT AND POTENTIAL IMPACT OF RELATED DEVELOPMENT

PROJECTS ON MILL HILL NEIGHBORHOOD


6. Boston Avenue Storefront Improvement Program

The commercial properties, pictured above, represent a typical streetscape along Boston Avenue currently. The buildings are simple, but signage and overall treatment of the facades limits the ability to create street appeal at this location. There are too many signs, and there is little or no landscaping (street trees or landscape beds) to make the area attractive. As illustrated on the graphic below, with some creativity, the streetscape can be changed dramatically and enlivened by introducing new fabric awnings, better organized signage, the addition of some unifying architectural elements, and some new street trees. Improvements such as this one could be encouraged through a Boston Avenue Revitalization Project that involves merchants/property owners and community leaders and provides incentives for storefront improvements (such as storefront improvement loan programs administered by the City). Streetscape and road improvements such as the ones envisioned along Boston Avenue, could also provide an incentive to promote property improvements. It could also hope to create a specific revitalization program like the East Main Street Revitalization Association, which looks at improvements to marketing and security of the commercial corridor along

Storefront Improvement Concept. -David Barbour, David Barbour Architects


7. Block Watch Formation

Numerous stakeholders involved in the NRZ process identified crime as a growing issue within the Mill Hill neighborhood. Nonprofit housing organizations expressed interest in working with the neighborhood to renovate, rebuild or replace deteriorating structures as part of the revitalization effort; but they repeatedly pointed to the need for crime to be addressed in particular blocks in order for new housing units to attract residents to the area. Some of the areas in which these nonprofits could have the greatest impact are also some of the areas where there are isolated crime problems currently… kids hanging out on street corners, drugs, and even some shootings have been reported. Neighborhood leaders did not see crime as an insurmountable problem, however…. but instead, they viewed crime as an issue that can be addressed through NRZ efforts. Based on the work of the NRZ Safety and Security Committee, it was determined that the best approach to pushing crime out of the Mill Hill Neighborhood is to organize block watches within areas that are targeted for revitalization. According to City Police Department representatives, there are a number of benefits to having block watches in the neighborhood. The Police Department is also prepared to support these block watches. It was felt that the proposed Community Center could provide recreational opportunities as a constructive alternative for teens as well as a place to provide resource materials for local residents who are interested in forming block watches. The NRZ Plan could start by designating a goal of creating up to 4 or 5 block watches per year, in conjunction with overall revitalization efforts and any target areas that are selected.

8. Emergency Preparedness

Members of the NRZ want to see a stronger connection between the neighborhood and the City’s office of Emergency Preparedness Planning (currently, Scott Appleby). It was felt that the City should pursue programs along the lines of a “Reverse 911” program in which the City could contact residents of any issues of concern, such as severe storms, evacuation of specific areas during events challenging the safety or health of the neighborhood, etc. It was also noted that the use of social media, such as Twitter, should be pursued, to ensue prompt communication with neighborhood residents. The NRZ Committee plans to connect with the CERT program as one way of initiating this connection.

9. Housing Recommendations Emphasis should be on building sense of safety in neighborhood first

Strong emphasis on encouraging and expanding home ownership

Emphasis should be placed on targeting rehabilitation funding within the neighborhood

Involvement of nonprofit organizations to the extent feasible

Consider creation of target areas in conjunction with remaining NRZ strategy (e.g. Remington/Dover/Bond wartime housing; White Street/Ogden Street Extension area; Willow Street/East Avenue

Establish design guidelines for commercial corridors (Seaview, Barnum, Boston)


Seek down payment assistance from major employers in neighborhood ( similar to the Yale-New Haven model and St. Vincent’s for example, in which these employers offer a grant of between $5,000 and $10,000 to encourage employees to buy in the neighborhood in which they are located).

10. New Bus Shelters – Greater Bridgeport Transit District

The Greater Bridgeport Transit District has received a $1.2 Million grant that is is available to

fund the study for bus routing and timing, new bus shelters, signs, and planning for

transportation oriented development. Because there is a major level of service demand within

the Mill Hill neighborhood, it is believed the neighborhood will stand a good chance of making a

compelling argument for more shelters and increased service.

11. Other Recommendations for the Transportation Committee The NRZ Plan should recognize the locations of current bus routes and incorporate road

improvements and enhanced pedestrian crossings to improve connections between the

Hospital, other major employers, commercial areas, recreational facilities and the residential

community.

Specific efforts need to focus on improved pedestrian crossings in problem areas. The

biggest current area of concern is crossing over Boston Avenue at the top of the hill near the

intersection of Boston Avenue and Mill Hill Avenue.

The Plan should recommend specific improvements to the following critical intersections.

These improvements should include increased turning radii, traffic calming

measures/enhanced pedestrian crossings, review of traffic signalization and possible

streetscape improvements such as bus shelters, lighting, street trees, etc.:




Traffic signalization needs to be reviewed with the City Engineering Department, the Police

Department, and the State Department of Transportation and modifications need to be

made to assure the best traffic flow through the neighborhood. The current signal at

Seaview Avenue and Boston Avenue needs to be at the top of that list.

As future efforts focus on the potential introduction of Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

near the proposed East Bridgeport Train Station, consideration should be given to working

with Greater Bridgeport Transit District to introduce shuttle services within the area ( to

access employment and health centers).

The NRZ Plan needs to recognize that the viaduct over Seaview Avenue presents a serious

obstacle to expansion of the roadway in this area, which in turn, will place limits on growth

potential along the Avenue within the Mill Hill neighborhood.


12. Joint Effort with East End NRZ: Creation of Barnum Avenue Revitalization Program

The NRZ Planning Committee is aware of the impact its major commercial corridors could have on

the character and redevelopment potential of the Mill Hill Neighborhood. As described in greater

detail, the Committee sees the neighborhood’s initial efforts focusing on Boston Avenue and, as

other redevelopment efforts take hold, to work on the redevelopment of the Seaview Avenue

Corridor, a project that is seen as a longer-term solution in the neighborhood’s redevelopment.

Meanwhile, the Planning Committee is well aware that the condition of Barnum Avenue needs to be

addressed. Concerns include deterioration of certain buildings, outdated and unattractive

storefronts, some vacancies, the need for better pedestrian crossings and the necessity for some

streetscape improvements to create continuity and market appeal (though the City invested

significant amounts to upgrade sidewalks and lighting along Barnum Avenue in the last five to ten

years). Barnum Avenue has a unique distinction in the City’s overall NRZ programming: this

commercial corridor serves as a boundary to two NRZ Programs: The East End and the Mill Hill

Neighborhood. Since the extensive commercial corridor is not fully located within the boundaries of

one NRZ, it is impossible to directly address the area. Improving the appearance of one side of

Barnum Avenue would be futile, since the lack of of improvements across the street would work in

conflict

The Planning Committee recommends the following actions for Barnum Avenue:

1. Formation of a Joint Revitalization Committee representing leadership from the East End

NRZ and the Mill Hill NRZ; This Committee should also include significant representation of

the business owners currently operating along or near Barnum Avenue.

2. Development of a Revitalization Plan that will address:

a. Potential for formation of a merchant/property owner association

b. Storefront improvement Program and Development of design guidelines

c. Streetscape enhancements (street trees, sidewalks, lighting, etc.)

d. Improvements to Barnum Avenue infrastructure, including the potential for

increasing safety of pedestrian crossings, potential for bike lanes, and parking

management plan.


13. East Bridgeport Train Station

14. Future Transit Oriented Development With a new fixed-rail train station in place at the corner of the Mill Hill neighborhood, possibilities will be expanded for Mill Hill residents to more easily access employment outside of the City (e.g. New Haven, Stamford, New York, and Hartford). At the same time, existing employees of large employers like Bridgeport Hospital will be offered a more efficient form of transportation to work. Additionally, employers will be able to attract additional employees with the improved access. Aside from employment benefits, communities are finding increased demand for housing in immediate walking distance of the train station – people who are seeking a more sustainable lifestyle with less dependency on the automobile. New housing that is generally more compact and at higher densities, also creates demand for increased retail and service uses within the neighborhood. As plans for the East Bridgeport Train Station proceed, the NRZ Committee should work with the City staff, and local Planning and Zoning Commission to identify opportunities for modifying existing zoning regulations to support Transit Oriented Development in this area, especially within the half-mile radius shown on the Projects Plan Map.

While the Mill Hill NRZ cannot directly

influence the development of the East

Bridgeport Train Station, the NRZ Strategy

needs to recognize the value the station will

have on future redevelopment potential and

market value for the neighborhood. Within

walking distance of the proposed train

station are: Bridgeport Hospital; Barnum

Avenue; Seaview Avenue; and portions of

the southwestern section of the

neighborhood, including areas targeted for

redevelopment and neighborhood

community projects. The General Electric

property is a bit farther, but still a

reasonable walking distance from the

proposed Train Station.


e) Neighborhood Projects: Phase 2 – Medium-High Priority Projects

COMMUNITY CENTER

Concept for Community Center, as developed during Mill Hill NRZ Charrette Process

-David Barbour, David Barbour Architects

The Community Center concept was discussed extensively during the NRZ Planning process. While many saw the significant value of creating a Community Center for the Mill Hill neighborhood, the NRZ sees the community center as a concept at this point – though an important one. The community sees the need for a community center to meet multiple needs in the neighborhood (for recreational use, social gatherings, and as a focal point of neighborhood communication, as well as a place for continuing education opportunities).The Planning Committee believes there needs to be further study of the concept to determine the best location for the center, the format for the center and the specific uses to be included in it. It was noted that a community center could address several objectives within the neighborhood:

Reduction in youth loitering in certain sections of the neighborhood, which should also

reduce crime in the streets and increase safety and security levels

Offer a focal point for social connections by neighborhood residents of all ages.

Enhance recreational opportunities for the neighborhood

Improve the level of community organization, which will in turn, enhance the potential for

the NRZ Strategy to be successful.


A feasibility study should be conducted to determine if a community or senior center is possible, and if so, to review possible locations. Note: Locating the community center will be an important decision to be made by the NRZ. This

is a topic that will require further discussion to make sure everyone supports the community

center concept and its appropriate location. The following pages include suggestions that came

out of the neighborhood Design Charrette in October 2012. During that session, the group

considered one option for the Community Center, placing it in an existing building on the

grounds of the existing Harding High School property.

Plan View of Community Center Concept. -David Barbour, David Barbour Architects


The following are some notes that came from the small group discussion at the Neighborhood

Charrette. These notes could be useful to the NRZ’s further consideration of the Community

Center concept:

Notes from Charrette

This proposed community center is for seniors, youth, and citizens of Bridgeport, CT. The community center will be cost effective and sustainable from rentals, concerts, and other functions and activities. We want jobs for qualified community citizens who have training in crowd control, maintenance, operations, hospitality and so forth. LOCATION

The group discussed several proposed Locations in the neighborhood:

- St. Ambrose Church

- Lot on corner of East Ave and Boston

- Old fire house on corner of Central and Barnum

- Building on funeral home

- New Harding H.S. – At least one Councilperson suggested that this would be a good

location and would offer the opportunity to have a brand new facility for the

community center, a condition which could be beneficial when operating budgets are

considered.

- The Harding High School site on Central Avenue after the school is moved to its new

location on Boston Ave

-

PRELIMINARY LIST OF PROGRAM IDEAS (Note: The following ideas came out of the brainstorming session during the October 2012

Charrette. The ideas are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather, as examples to stir further

dialogue as a thorough feasibility study is undertaken, which will address location and

structure of the Center and will refine the following suggested uses).

MHCC Adult and Youth Activities:

- Multiple Sports fields/Complex e.g. soccer, track, football

- Indoor field

- Computer lab/Game room/bowling alley/exercise room/outside skate board park

- park/skating/tournaments/ /Cultural arts/ housing complexes/youth programs e.g.

tutoring by retired teachers

- entrepreneurial programs

- Game room for video games


- Music room with piano etc.

- Weight room

- Vending machines

MHCC Senior Activities:

- game room/games i.e. Bingo/ vending machines

- Computer classes

- Sewing, knitting, quitting groups

- Swimming pool (exercise classes, and therapy)

- Pool table, ping pong table, etc.

- Exercise class (yoga, Tai Chi, etc.)

- Meeting rooms and dividers

- Gym area basketball

- Patio/outdoor space for community clubs/activities

- Stage for outdoor and indoor concerts

- Full Kitchen and Banquet room for family reunions, and other rentals

- Community Garden/walking and bike trails

- First aid room with Nurse or paraprofessional

- Accessibility for Seniors and disabled

Open Space, Recreation, and Community Gardens

Because there is so little publicly owned open space in the Mill Hill Neighborhood, revitalization

efforts to create open space will have to be accomplished in creative ways and, often, by developing

partnerships around proposed redevelopment efforts in the neighborhood, especially the General

Electric redevelopment and the Bridgeport Hospital expansion projects.

VISUAL ENHANCEMENTS:

The Boston Avenue Esplanade project and other street tree projects will help soften the

appearance and feel of the neighborhood and introduce new open space, landscaping and

streetscape improvements that will provide visual enhancements.

OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

In addition, it will be important to provide usable open space where residents can sit, relax and

recreate (from active recreational activities to more passive recreation such as tables for checkers,

bocce courts, etc. which may appeal to Mill Hill’s senior population. Unfortunately, the City owns

very little land in Mill Hill for this purpose. Suitable public property for that purpose currently is the


site of the existing Harding High School, which is targeted for the Bridgeport Hospital expansion

project.

Community Gardens

For purposes of the Mill Hill NRZ, community gardens are seen as a supplemental revitalization

effort. The neighborhood’s leadership recognize their potential value, but they are also aware of

their limitations (generally, this is not a permanent solution and there are issues of ownership and

liability risks. A private owner will seldom want to take on the liability of others being located on

his/her property. As reported earlier, there is very little City-owned vacant land in the Mill Hill Area.

The NRZ believes it is important to enlist the support and involvement of all potential supporters of

this program. For example, there are schools in the neighborhood that are already involved in

community gardening, and members of the Planning Committee want to see Board of Education

participation in this activity. Additional support should be sought from nonprofit organizations and

other agencies that could provide technical assistance, labor or funds (e.g, Green Village Initiative,

Groundworks, etc.)

Many urban communities have utilized

community gardens as a tool to create

open space in neighborhoods where

vacant lots now exist, as well as to

provide an opportunity for residents of

these neighborhoods to build their own

self-sufficiency by growing their own

vegetables. In some cases, community

gardens can begin to promote

entrepreneurial efforts and even the

development of farmers’ markets, which

create excitement in a neighborhood.


Below is a concept for use of a gazebo as a focal point within a grouping of

community gardens, which came out of the Mill Hill NRZ Design Charrette.

- Beth, David Barbour Architects

2011 Parks Plan

a) The NRZ should support the City’s efforts to implement the 2011 Parks Plan (see attached) as

supplementing the revitalization objectives of the Mill Hill NRZ. The Plan recommends the

formation of partnerships to promote expanded parks, open space and recreational facilities,

including the NRZ’s. According to that Plan, there are only two existing parks serving the “Boston

Avenue/Mill Hill” neighborhood. The boundaries for that neighborhood extends farther north

than the area selected for the Mill Hill NRZ (the 139th Council District). Meanwhile, the service

areas defined in that plan encompass some portions of the NRZ neighborhood, since the area is

based on access to a park within a 10 minute walk.


b) The Parks Plan identifies two parks serving this area:

a. Manila Street Playground – The Plan suggests there is an opportunity to renaturalize

a portion of this playground to minimize maintenance and to restore ecological

benefits. The Plan recommends the playground remain as a walkable amenity for

families in the neighborhood, but with a well-defined path. Specific suggestions:

i. Renaturalize the edges and rear portion of the Manila Street lot

ii. Define an “active zone” to include a small, maintained turf zone and a

perimeter path.

iii. Plant street trees to improve the edges of the park and entryways, as well as

to provide shade.

While the City anticipates major investment in Success Park, the Parks Plan identifies

the redevelopment of the Manila Street Playground as an appropriate NRZ project.

b. Success Park - The Plan recommends creation of “hyper-parks” for areas that are

underserved in the City. The Plan recommends that Success Park be the first Hyper

Park in the City. The City envisions the Park to provide the Boston Avenue/Mill Hill

neighborhood with much of its needed formal play and sports amenities, which will

allow the Manila Street Playground to be returned to a lower-intensity use.

The Plan identifies a number of concerns about existing conditions at the Park:

Limited visibility, backed by housing and at the end of dead end roads; and the onsite

field is in poor condition. The Plan concludes that the neighborhood needs two (2)

basketball courts, two (2) playgrounds, and one (1) tennis court. Recommended

elements of the Park being developed into a hyper-park:

i. Installation of a synthetic turf play field. Committee members were interested

in seeing this field be used for multiple purposes.

ii. Construction of a new connective road to provide improved access and

visibility

iii. Installation of two (2) basketball courts and one (1) tennis court

iv. Construction of a destination playground to serve the Boston Avenue/Mill Hill

Neighborhood

v. Buffer plantings and signage to define the edges and entrances. There was

concern about lighting and its potential impacts on the adjacent

neighborhood.

vi. Pavilion

c) While the Plan is an important step in beginning to meet the needs of the broader

neighborhood, it’s important to note that much of the NRZ neighborhood below Boston Avenue


is beyond a 10-minute walk to Success Park – and both of the noted parks are physically outside

of the boundaries of the Mill Hill NRZ neighborhood. Areas that are furthest removed from the

proposed Success Park/Hyper Park include areas along the western and southern borders of the

neighborhood, including the primary western gateway entrance into Mill along Boston Avenue,

the length of Seaview Avenue, and the length of Barnum Avenue – areas that are expected to be

target areas for the NRZ Strategic Plan. Also of importance is the fact that the NRZ Safety and

Security Committee has identified a concentrated area along the western border of the NRZ

neighborhood in which there are significant crime problems (the Bell Street, Sheridan Street,

and Meade Street area). Therefore, the NRZ Plan should supplement the City’s Parks Plan.


f) Neighborhood Projects: Phase 3 – Longer term Medium Priority

Projects

Medium Importance

I. Riverfront Reclamation, Open Space and Park Development

Riverfront Reclamation, Waterfront Redevelopment

Yellow Mill River

II. Home Ownership Promotion

Efforts need to be concentrated on the promotion of home ownership in the Mill Hill Neighborhood.

The Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust (BNT) has established a number of successful programs for

promoting affordable home ownership opportunities. One of the key elements of these programs is

their Comprehensive Homeownership Counseling Program: BNT is a HUD approved and CHFA

certified housing counseling agency. BNT’s one on one counseling services provide support to first

time homebuyers to obtain the goal of homeownership. Each client starts with an orientation to

determine mortgage readiness and finishes equipped with the information to purchase in today’s

While residents appreciate the potential value of redeveloping the Upper Yellow Mill River, they feel it would take

too many limited resources from critical short-term neighborhood projects. For the long-run, however, there is

great hope that this dream could someday be achieved.. public access to the water, a mix of appropriate uses, and

creation of an attractive asset for the neighborhood and the City.


market. BNT’s program has three components; individualized one on one counseling, monthly 8

Hour Pre Purchase Homeownership Class, and monthly post closing workshops including

Foreclosure Prevention, Financial Literacy, and Landlord Tenant Training. To complement its

program the City has selected BNT to be the administrator of its Down Payment and Closing Cost

Assistance Program which will make available up to $25,000 for down payment and closing cost

assistance, per applicant

III. Creation of Target Areas to Promote Housing Rehabilitation and Home

Ownership Promotion

There was strong interest in establishing target areas for undertaking neighborhood

improvement projects, especially in areas that require special attention due to vacancies,

deterioration, blight and/or incidences of crime. The NRZ Plan has identified three target areas

for consideration:

1. Bond/Remington

2. Bell Street/Sheridan

3. East Avenue/Willow Street)

Revitalization efforts are much more successful, when they can be designed to achieve multiple

objectives. In these areas, there should be a focus on block watch formation, housing

rehabilitation, home ownership promotion and streetscape improvements. The restoration of

these areas could have significant positive impact on the success of the Plan.

IV. Intersection Improvements to promote use of Public Transit

Certain intersections within the Mill Hill neighborhood are too tight to accommodate safe

turning radii for the full-size GBTD buses, a condition which lengthens vehicle trips for the

buses and reduces traffic safety -- for vehicles and pedestrians. The most critical

intersections are:




The Plan specific improvements to the following critical intersections. These improvements

should include increased turning radii, traffic calming measures/enhanced pedestrian


crossings, review of traffic signalization and possible streetscape improvements such as bus

shelters, lighting, street trees, etc.


7. Phasing Plan: Short-Term and Long term objectives and strategies ESTABLISHING PARTNERSHIPS The NRZ Planning Committee was particularly aware that it would be difficult to secure large sums of funding for neighborhood projects, especially in light of the tight economy that has dominated the region over the last four to five years. As a result, members discussed the importance of building partnerships to implement this Plan – partnerships with City agencies, other community groups, church-based organizations and other non-profit organizations serving the neighborhood. Working together with other groups will greatly increase the chances for this Plan to succeed.

a) Short Term Objectives 2013 – 2018 (1-5 years)

Community Organization –

Form NRZ Committee to begin implementation phase

Support Trash Busters and Other Community Organizations in efforts to improve safety and security and overall property maintenance, including such efforts as:

Clean-Up Campaigns, especially in visible target areas

Block Watch Formation, particularly in conjunction with target area programs to encourage housing rehabilitation and home ownership promotion

Enhance Communications with Emergency Service Providers, partner with key departments such as the Police Department

Road Improvement Projects, Pedestrian Improvements

Establish meeting(s) with City Engineering Department and the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council to develop a program of road and sidewalk improvements that would result in improved traffic and pedestrian safety and enhanced walkability throughout the neighborhood

Support City efforts to fund road and sidewalk improvements along City streets

Work with the Greater Bridgeport Transit District to coordinate neighborhood transit facilities in conjunction with neighborhood revitalization strategy

Advocate for and support efforts of the City and the Regional Council to plan for significant road improvements, particularly along the Boston Avenue Corridor, which will need to be presented to the State Department of Transportation for design acceptance and, ultimately, funding.

Secure City and State Funding for Neighborhood-Based Revitalization Projects

Funding for Boston Avenue Storefront Improvement Program

Feasibility Study for Mill Hill Community Center

Housing Rehabilitation Funds

Funding Commitments to support housing development projects by nonprofit organizations (Habitat for Humanity, (U.C. P.A. of Southern CT, Inc., Bridgeport Neighborhood Fund, etc.)


Support beautification and gateway-type projects that will enhance the appearance and appeal of the Mill Hill neighborhood, working closely with the Office of Neighborhood Revitalization

Promote community gardens where appropriate

Support Public Funding for Key Development Projects

Relocation and Reconstruction of Harding High School

General Electric Property Redevelopment incentives

East Bridgeport Train Station Project

Community Center (capital and operating expenses) and Community Policing Station

Support Private Sector Investment in Redevelopment Projects

Bridgeport Hospital Expansion

General Electric Redevelopment Boston Avenue

Identify leadership and develop NRZ Committee or separate revitalization organization to focus on commercial redevelopment

Secure funds for storefront improvements and streetscape improvements

Work with the City to promote property owner involvement Barnum Avenue Revitalization

Develop assessment in conjunction with East End NRZ

Identify leadership among Barnum Avenue property owners

Initiate and seek funding for revitalization project with leadership from both NRZ projects.

b) Mid-Term Objectives 2019-2024 (6-10 years)

Continue efforts begun in First Phase of NRZ Project

NRZ Committee

Community Organization

Road and Sidewalk Improvements

Storefront Improvement Program

Community Center/Community Policing Barnum Avenue

Continue efforts to redevelop underutilized or vacant properties for neighborhood commercial and mixed-use projects

Promote TOD development as the East Bridgeport Train Station is developed Update NRZ Plan

Establish updated objectives

Expand partnership to include new stakeholders as necessary


Identify and secure funding to implement neighborhood plans

c) Long-Term Objectives 2025 to 2035 (11-20 years)

Transit Oriented Development Projects Barnum Avenue Revitalization Seaview Avenue Redevelopment

8. Performance and Review standards

The Mill Hill NRZ Committee should assess progress against this plan in order to determine the

effectiveness of the NRZ process. This should be an ongoing effort. Performance standards should

be established around the goals that have been established in this plan. There are a series of

performance standards that the Committee (and the City) could monitor, including the following

examples:

Increases in the level of homeownership in the neighborhood

Reductions in the level of crime in the neighborhood

Increases in the number of Block Watch groups that have been formed in the Mill Hill

Neighborhood

Reductions in the amount of graffiti and litter in the neighborhood (The national Keep

America Beautiful organization has a sample Litter Survey or Index that could work well for

this purpose – it can be found at www.kab.org)

The length (in linear feet) of sidewalks that have been repaired or replaced in the

neighborhood since adoption of the NRZ Strategic Plan.

The number of intersections that have been improved to incorporate traffic calming and

safer pedestrian crossings after the adoption of the NRZ Strategic Plan.

The amount of open space that has been created and the number of planting areas that have

been constructed (street trees, esplanades, gateway areas) following adoption of the Plan.

Reductions in the number or percentage of properties identified as blighted by the City’s

Blight Office

The status of efforts to create a community center, either in a new structure, an adaptively

reused space, or included as shared space in another facility

Increases in educational levels and skill levels

Improved employment/unemployment levels.

Increased median income levels.

http://www.kab.org/


9. Regulatory Issues

The Mill Hill NRZ Committee should be an advocate for the Mill Hill Neighborhood and communicate

frequently with City agencies and elected officials concerning the recommendations of this NRZ

Strategic Plan. As land use and regulatory decisions are made by the City, which could affect the Mill

Hill NRZ Strategy, Committee leaders should speak at public hearings and help to guide decisions by

the City as they are made. Of special importance will be decisions made by the Planning and Zoning

Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals, including topics such as the redevelopment of the

General Electric property, Barnum Avenue and Boston Avenue commercial properties, Seaview

Avenue redevelopment and future Transit Oriented Development surrounding the proposed East

Bridgeport Train Station.

Reference Documents

The Parks Master Plan 2011 Bridgeport 2020: A Vision for the Future, Master Plan of Conservation and Development BFJ Planning, March 2008 Seaview Avenue Corridor Study; EICON, North American Realty Advisory Services.

APPENDIX A

Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone

Planning Committee By-Laws Submitted: ECDE

February 20, 2013

Planning Department

OPED


Planning Committee By-Laws

Index page

Article I: Name and Office 1

Section 1.1: Names 1

Section 1.2: Offices 1

Article II: Mission and Goal 1 Section 2.1: Mission Statement 1

Section 2.2: Primary Mission 1

Section 2.3 Primary Mission Goal 1

Section 2.4 Intent 2

Section 2.5 Affiliation 2

Section 2.6 Boundaries 2

Article III: Membership 2 Section 3:1 General Membership 2

Section 3:2 Planning Committee Eligibility 2

Section 3.3: Manner of Admission to Planning Committee Membership 2

Section 3:4: Planning Committee Officers 3

Article IV: Meetings 3 Section 4.1: Operating procedure 3

Section 4.2: Notice of Meetings 3

Section 4.3: Quorum 3

Section 4.4: Regular Meetings 3

Section 4.5 Voting 3

Section 4.6 Non Resident Stakeholder Voting 3

Section 4.7 Ceding the Chair 4

Article V: Planning Committee 4 Section 5.1: Membership 4

Section 5.2: Stake Holder Definition 4

Section 5.3: Eligibility and Representation 4

Section 5.4: Election and Representation 5

Section 5.5: Nominating Committee 5

Section 5.6 Term of Office 6

Section 5.7 Termination of Membership & Resignation 6

Article VI: Officer and Committees 7

Section 6.1: Name and Number 7

Section 6.2: Subcommittees 7

i

Article VII: Procedure 7 Section 7.1: Motions and Proposals 7

Section 7.2: Amendments 7

Section 7.2: Parliamentary Disputes 7

Article VIII: Plan Approval and Committee Dissolution 8

Section 8.1: Presentation of Plan 8

Section 8.2: Approval and Committee Dissolution 8

Appendices: 9 Attachment A: Boundary Description 10

Attachment B: NRZ Map 11

Attachment C: Organizational Chart 12

ii

1

MILL HILL NRZ BY-LAWS

Article I

Name and Office

Section: 1.1 Name

The name of the organization shall be the Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone

Planning Committee, hereinafter referred to as the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee.

Section: 1.2 Offices

The principal location of Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee shall be in the Mill Hill

neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut. All meetings of the Mill Planning Committee

shall take place within the Mill Hill Neighborhood of Bridgeport. Committee meetings

may take place where deemed convenient to the participating subcommittee members.

Article II

Mission and Goal

Section: 2.1 Mission Statement

In accordance to Public ACT 94-240 of the Connecticut General Statues, an Act to

Establish the Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee

shall be responsible for formulating an NRZ Strategic Plan:

Section: 2.2 Primary Mission

Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee is to improve and preserve the Mill Hill

Neighborhood through the collaborative efforts of the residents and other stakeholders,

including but not limited to, representatives of businesses; non-profit organizations;

health and other service providers; cultural and religious institutions; and organized

community associations.

Section: 2.3 Primary Mission Goal

The main goal of the mission is to improve the quality of life, and to protect and advance

the well being of the community. The objectives are to increase the income levels of

residents by advancing economic development and job creation; to improve educational

achievements; to increase home ownership and to create decent and affordable housing;

and to assist in the creation of services for the youth, the elderly, and other disadvantaged

members of the community. This will be done through the collaborative efforts of the

residents and other stakeholders, with an emphasis on developing and protecting the

unique business, entertainment, architectural, environmental cultural and artistic strengths

of Mill Hill. It should ensure that land use and development occur in such a manner as to

place the highest values on people and the unique natural resources of the community and

its quality of life, as well as honoring and preserving the historic nature of the Mill Hill

NRZ. This effort will include but not be limited to, representatives of businesses; non-

2

profit organizations, health and other service providers; cultural and religious institutions;

and organized community associations.

Section: 2.4 Intent The intent of the plan is to contribute to the long term betterment of the community, and

the City of Bridgeport, reflect community vision, and develop goals through a

commitment to a realistic implementation.

Section: 2.5 Affiliation

This organization shall not be affiliated with any political party, organization or group

nor will the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee endorse candidates for political offices.

Section: 2.6 Boundaries

The boundary of the Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ) shall be the

existing Neighborhood boundary of Mill Hill Neighborhood, as defined by the City of

Bridgeport Council District 139. The Neighborhood written description of the Mill Hill

NRZ (Attachment A) and the Mill Hill NRZ Boundary Map (Attachment B) will

constitute a part of these By-laws.

Article III

Membership

Section: 3.1 General Membership

The General Membership constitutes those persons who live within the boundaries of the

Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ). The General Membership shall be

responsible for electing the Planning Committee; Adoption and Amendment of the By-

Laws and approval of the Mill Hill NRZ Strategic Plan.

Section: 3.2 Planning Committee Eligibility

Eligible members of the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee include residents, owners of

properties located in the neighborhood, individuals and representatives of businesses,

cultural, educational, social service agencies, religious and citizen organizations located

in the Mill Hill Neighborhood or having a significant impact on the Mill Hill

Neighborhood. Each non-resident stakeholder organization, institution or business, if so

elected, shall be limited to one representative Planning Committee member each and the

total number of non-resident stakeholders may not exceed Forty-nine percent (or 49%).

Section: 3.3 Manner of Admission to Planning Committee Membership

Any person who is eligible for membership on the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee

may become a nominee by filing a signed application with the Mill Hill Election

Committee, on a form approved by the Election Committee that indicates such person

desires to become a Planning Committee member. Applicants shall be reviewed by and

approved by a majority vote of the General Membership. The Committee shall approve

applications at the regular or special meeting of the committee that follows the NRZ’s

receipt of an application for membership. The Committee may establish rules of

3

admission from time to time which it deems desirable or appropriate, provided such rules

are reasonable, germane to the purposes of the Committee and regularly enforced as to all

members.

Section: 3.4 Planning Committee Officers

Officers of the Planning Committee shall be nominated and elected by the Planning

Committee.

Article IV

Meetings

Section: 4.1 Operating Procedure

The Committee shall operate under the guidelines of Robert’s Rules or Parliamentary

Law

Section: 4.2 Notice of Meetings

It will be the responsibility of the Secretary and Officers of the Mill Hill NRZ Planning

Committee to distribute a written notice of the meetings to the members at least five days

prior to each meeting. Notification may be delivered by e-mail or postal.

Section: 4.3 Quorum

At all times, a quorum must be comprised of Fifty-one percent (or 51%) or more Mill

Hill resident Committee Members. A minimum of five (or 5) Planning Committee

Members must be present to constitute a quorum with a majority of at least three (or 3),

or more to be residents.

Section: 4.4 Regular Meetings The Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee shall meet at least 1 times per Month at a

location within the neighborhood boundaries and at a time and date agreed upon by the

members.

Section: 4.5 Voting

Decision on any question shall be made by a majority vote of those members constituting

a quorum. There shall be no voting by proxy. Any member who has a personal,

professional, business or other interest in any parcel of property that might be subject to

the Strategic Plan shall be required to disclose said interest and shall recluse himself or

herself from any vote thereon. All votes shall be recorded by Secretary of the Planning

Committee, and together with minutes of meetings, shall be made available to the

community-at-large.

Section: 4.6 Non Resident Stakeholder Voting Non-resident stakeholder organizations, institution or business, if so elected shall be

limited to one designated voting representative Committee member. The same applies in

General Membership motions requiring consensus.

4

Section: 4.7 Ceding the Chair

The Chair of the Committee shall preside over the Meetings and maintain orderly

conduct. Should the Chair wish to speak formally on a given subject, the Chair must step

down ceding the chair to the next officer in line who will assume the position of the

Chair. For the remainder of the meeting, the ceding Chair, may not reclaim the Chair

after speaking until the following meeting.

Article V

The Planning Committee

Section: 5.1 Membership

The Planning Committee shall consist of seventeen (17) persons. At least fifty-one

percent (51%) of the Committee’s members must be residents of the Mill Hill NRZ

neighborhood. In addition, the City may appoint a representative as a voting member to

the Planning Committee. The composition of the Planning Committee shall be as

follows:

Nine ( or 9) Residents (P.A. 95-340 requires that majority of Committee members

be residents)

One (or 1) Youth Resident Representatives (13-18 years old)

One (or 1) “Small Business” Representatives

Two (or 2) “Large Businesses/Employers” Representatives

One (or 1) “Non-Resident Representatives of Owners of Investment Propertie”s in

the Mill Hill NRZ Neighborhood (Residential, Commercial or Residential)

Two (or 2) Representatives of Churches and/ or Legally Recognized Faith Based-

Organizations

One (or 1) Representatives of Community Organizations and Other Non-Profits

Section: 5.2 Stake Holder Definition

For the purpose of this section “small business” is defined as any business operating

within the Mill Hill NRZ neighborhood boundaries with ten (or 10) or fewer employees.

“Large Business” is defined as any business operating within the Mill Hill NRZ

boundaries with more than ten (or 10) employees. Faith Based Organizations with

Employees do not constitute a business, large, small or other. With regard to resident

members, individuals will be required to provide proof of residency within the Mill Hill

NRZ (e.g., Driver’s License, State Identification Card, Utility Bills, etc.).

Section: 5.3 Stakeholder Eligibility, and Representation

Resident Property Owners and Resident Tenants must reside within the Mill Hill NRZ.

Some members of the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee may reside outside of the Mill

Hill NRZ, as long as they represent a business, church or other religious organization,

community organization or other non-profit, or public sector entity that is located within

the Mill Hill NRZ, or substantially impacts the Mill Hill NRZ community and, that said

member has been nominate and elected and designated as the sole representative of said

5

organization as a Planning Committee Member. Said organization will have one vote

through the elected designee.

Section: 5.4 Election and Representation:

Each constituent group shall determine the method of election, setting forth its procedure

in writing and provide a copy of same to the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee.

Elections of members shall take place within One Hundred Twenty (120 of the first

official meeting of the NRZ) or before the approval by the City Council of Bridgeport of

a resolution designating the Mill Hill community as an NRZ pursuant to state statute.

Subsequent election of representatives to the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee shall

take place once per year.

Only residents of Mill Hill and one representative from each non-resident

stakeholder organization will be eligible to vote. Non-residents who work, attend

school, attend religious services, participate in community organizations but are

not stakeholders may not vote unless so designated by the stake holder

organization and recorded as “representative and “sole vote” by the Planning

Committee. Those not designated as “representative and sole vote” are not

eligible to vote in general elections nor are they allowed to nominate or second, a

candidate.

Stakeholders living from outside the boundaries of the Mill Hill NRZ entity,

falling under this classification will be limited to one seat each, if so elected, on

the Planning Committee and are not to exceed 49% or no more than one person

less than the majority of the Committee Membership

Section: 5.5 Nominating Committee Election of representatives to the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee shall take place

within the Sixty days (or 60) of the election of the Planning Committee pursuant to the

City of Bridgeport approval of a resolution designating the Mill Hill community as an

NRZ neighborhood pursuant to state statute.

A Nominating Committee will be convened by the By-Laws committee which

consists of representation from the representative sectors listed in Article V,

Section 1, as well as members of the By-Laws Committee.

The Nominating Committee members will be asked to inform their constituency

about the NRZ and solicit nominations. Candidates for the Planning Committee

may self-nominate or be nominated by another person.

The nominations can be submitted by email or regular mail or brought to the

subsequent meeting of the Nominating Committee by members of that committee.

The goal of the nominating process is to maximize participation.

6

The Nominating Committee will review nominees and convene the persons

nominated to explain the purpose of the NRZ and the duties and responsibilities

of the members of the Planning Committee.

A slate of Planning Committee members will be prepared to present at the

subsequent stakeholders meeting.

Section: 5.6 Term of Office

Members of the Planning Committee shall serve for a period of one (or 1) year, at which

time nominations and a general election will create a new governing body. If the

electorate reelects an officer, than that person will serve in the position that the governing

body elects that person to. The Committee will strive to replace membership that “retires”

from the duties of their office. Upon approval of the NRZ Strategic Plan by the City

Council, the membership shall nominate the NRZ Implementation Committee, at which

time the Planning Committee shall be dissolved, whichever is shorter.

Members of the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee shall serve for a period of

one (1) year, or until such time as an NRZ Strategic Plan has been approved by

the City and passed on to an NRZ Implementation Committee, at which time the

Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee shall be dissolved, whichever is shorter.

If a planning committee member misses two (or 2) consecutive meetings, he/she

will not be able to continue in that position unless there are extraordinary

circumstances, as deemed by a majority vote of the planning committee or: if a

Planning Committee members “steps down,” the Planning Committee will fill the

vacated position through a list of potential replacements (alternates) from the

nominating process to be kept in case replacements from the same represented

group are needed.

Immediately following approval of the Mill Hill NRZ Strategic Plan by the City

of Bridgeport and prior to dissolution of the Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee,

the Planning Committee membership will be responsible for the creation of the

Mill Hill NRZ Implementation Committee at which point the Planning Committee

will be dissolved.

Section: 5.7 Termination of Membership & Resignation

A person’s membership shall terminate upon death, termination, expulsion, failure to pay

dues (if any are required), failure at any time, to satisfy the eligibility qualifications set

forth in Article III, Section 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, & 3.4 or unannounced absence from Two (or 2)

consecutive meetings, or dissolution or expiration of the Mill NRZ. Such termination

shall be effected by a majority vote of the Planning Committee. Any member may resign

by delivering a written resignation to the Committee Chair or recording secretary. Upon

termination or resignation of membership, all rights and privileges of the member on the

Committee and its property shall cease.

7

Article VI

Officers and Committees

Section: 6.1 Name and Number

Since the purpose of the NRZ Planning Committee is to formulate a Strategic Plan for the

Mill Hill NRZ, the only officers shall be a President, whose responsibility shall be to

preside over meetings of the Committee, a Vice-President, who shall act in the

President’s place in his or her absence, and a Secretary, who shall be responsible for

maintaining records of the Planning Committee, recording minutes and votes, and

providing notice of meetings to the Planning Committee and notice of public hearings or

forums to the community at large. The offices of President, Vice-President, and

Secretary shall be elected for one-year terms by a majority vote of the members of the

Planning Committee.

Section: 6.2 Subcommittees

The Mill Hill NRZ Planning Committee may consist of but not be limited to the

following Subcommittees, each of which will be assigned tasks and meet according to a

schedule determined by the membership at large: (1) Economic Development; (2)

Education; (3) Open Space & Recreation; (4) Health, Safety & Security; (5) Housing; (6)

Infrastructure and Transportation; (7) Outreach and Communications; and (8)

Employment and Training;

Article VII

Procedure

Section: 7.1 Motions and Proposals

Proposals may be introduced to the committee by any member, unless the proposal

directly affects a property, project or program of a participating group, in which case only

the affected party may introduce the proposal. If more than one group has such an

interest, any and/or all of them may introduce a measure. A proposition which is re-

introduced after being tabled at a previous meeting may be tabled again if six committee

members vote to table it again.

Section: 7.2 Amendments

Amendments to the By-laws may be proposed in writing to the Planning Committee if at

least three members of the Planning Committee request an amendment to the By-laws.

Any amendment shall require a three-quarters (or ¾) vote of all Committee members to

take effect.

Section: 7.3 Parliamentary Disputes In any dispute concerning interpretation of “By Laws” or operating procedures of the

NRZ, the Secretary shall be considered “Parliamentarian” and defer to Robert’s Rules of

Order for guidance. The agreement of seventy-five percent (or75%) of those in

attendance shall be necessary to overcome the application of Robert’s Rule of Order, in

all case.

8

Article VIII

Section: 8.1 Presentation of Plan/Dissolution

In no case shall the NRZ Planning Committee present a plan to the City of Bridgeport

without first holding at least one public hearing on same, open to all residents and

stakeholders within the Mill Hill NRZ community. Notice of said meeting shall be made

in writing, and provided the public not less than two weeks prior.

Section: 8.2 Plan Approval

Upon approval of the Mill Hill Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Strategic Plan by the

City of Bridgeport, and presentation of same to the State of Connecticut, the NRZ

Planning Committee will dissolve. Any assets of the NRZ Planning Committee,

including all work-product, will be transferred to the NRZ Implementation Committee, a

separate 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization, whose mission will be to carry out the

particulars of the Strategic Plan.

9


Appendix:

Attachment A: Boundary Description

10

Attachment B: NRZ Map 11

Attachment C: Organizational Chart 12

10


Boundary Description

Beginning at the corner and centerline of Barnum Avenue and the Junction of Yellow

Mill Pond travel east along the centerline of Barnum Avenue to the centerline of Sage

Avenue then: follow the Bridgeport/ Stratford Town Line to the Center line of Boston

Avenue then: travel west to the centerline of Success Avenue then: travel two blocks

north to the centerline of Gary Street then: travel west to the centerline of Carnegie

Avenue then: travel north to the centerline of Granfield Avenue then: travel west to the

centerline of Summerfield Avenue then: travel south to the centerline of Birdseye Street

then: travel west to the centerline of Palisade Avenue then: travel southwest to the

centerline of Tudor Street then: west to the centerline of Bond Street then: north to the

centerline of Stewart Street then: travel west to the Yellow River Brook then: south along

the Yellow River Brook back to the beginning at the Junction of Yellow Mill Pond and

the centerline of Barnum Avenue.

11


MAP

Appendix C:

By-Laws & Planning Committee Organizational Chart

MILL HILL NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION ZONE (NRZ)

11

MILL HILL NRZ

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Organizes Subcommittees

Elects Officers

Develops Proposed Plan

Approves By-Laws

E

BY LAWS COMMITTEE

Recommends By-Laws for

Approval by Planning

Committee

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Nominates members to serve on

Planning Committee

BY-LAWS COMMITTEE

Drafts By-Laws

Approval of Draft By-Laws

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE

Nominates individuals for

Election to serve on

Implementation Committee

Committee

REVIEWS AND APPROVES PROPOSED BY-LAWS @ AMMENDMENTS

FINAL APPROVAL BY PLANNING COMMITTEE

ELECTS MEMBERS OF PLANNING COMMITTEE

ELECTS PLANNING COMMITTEE

IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE ELECTED

PLANNING COMMITTEE DISOLVED

IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE COMMENCES